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"Living is giving. We live life best as we give our strengths, gifts, and competencies . . . We are called to serve, not survive. Our giving makes a difference in our families, our congregation, our community, and our faith." adapted from Kennon L. Callahan
At UUFG, we recognize one of the truths of all the world’s great religions: that generosity is central to a healthy spiritual life. We believe in the ancient practice of giving as a spiritual exercise, used like any other meditation practice to deepen and strengthen the soul. Members of this church who give generously—to this church and elsewhere—tell of the joy and empowerment they feel when they live out of a sense of abundance. Our faith calls us to welcome the stranger at the door, to share our resources with others in need, and to care for our planet. This is the meaning of stewardship. Each of us comes to UUFG bearing gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Generously sharing our resources with our Fellowship reflects a commitment to participating in and growing our vibrant community.
Each UU congregation is self-sustaining. There is no centralized authority that supports us financially, nor does it tell us what to do or what to believe.
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What does renewal mean? Renewal of what?
As UUs, we hold many things in our hearts and minds. We are guided by our seven principles:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part
We express these in our church home thru our programs in social justice, children's religious education, music expression, and dynamic discussions within our community and our outer community.
We continue to create a supportive and caring church community while learning how to embrace our faults and weaknesses along with our strengths and skills. What can we do to each support this church and the greater UU values?
Reflect on the role of the church on your life. What aspects does it bring to your life and how does it help you be a better human being?
The emphasis on giving your financial support comes into focuse at this time of the year. What kind of financial expression are you willing to give to support your community of like-minded and value driven fellow seekers? |
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