What do you think of when asked what your money goes toward when you pledge or make an offering in the plate on a non-“share the plate” Sunday? Of course there are the inevitable ongoing operational costs of electricity, gas and water. But surely it can’t be that expensive to keep a building the size of our modest church going, right? And we have those solar panels, they help out a lot, right? Electric, gas and water alone cost us $9,000 to $10,000 annually.
And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of operating costs. Even with the wonderful volunteers who help tidy the kitchen after a shared meal or keep our lawn and gardens inviting and beautiful there are inevitable costs of upkeep for our building. Safety enhancement, security, and liability insurance have a annual combined cost of about $10,400. Keeping us pest-free, paying for janitorial services and trash services take approximately another $7,800. Building repairs come in at about $5,000 each year. Then there are building supplies, classroom supplies and sanctuary decorations that keep us in paper goods, the kids channeling their creativity and our altar inviting. Those come in at just under $1,000.
Another big area of expenses revolve around keeping us informed. Communications (newsletter, advertising, website, phone and internet) require about $5,000 annually.
So on any given year these ongoing operating expenses that keep the building comfortable, safe, secure and provide the amenities that make UUCC an inviting place to gather, plan, play and seek shelter every day of the year require $35,000-plus each year. That money comes from our pockets, your’s and mine. We get no subsidies from a larger organization. We use the facilities, therefore we must pay for them. And because these are ongoing, predictable costs every year we rely on the pledge system to make sure we can maintain the level of services and upkeep we currently enjoy together. Please consider this as we approach our annual pledge drive. Oh, yes, please remember to turn the lights out when you leave. We each have to do our part to conserve and maintain what we have and use. Thanks, see you Sunday!
Submitted by Mary Lou Reed, member of Stewardship Team