Together, we co-create our spiritually alive, radically inclusive, and justice-centered community. We do this through joining our collective commitments to our collective time, talent, and treasure. Thank you for being so generous in all the ways you can be. This month we are finalizing a budget that focuses on the treasure part – the financial resources we have to plan for the next program year, July 2023 – August 2024.

Fulfilling our mission is connected to our budget, which is one expression of what we plan to be able to do together. A congregation’s budget changes over time as particular opportunities and challenges arise in our community and as the broader religious landscape shifts. https://www.firstunitarianportland.org/about-us/our-mission-and-vision/

One example of an opportunity and a shift in the current draft of the upcoming budget is adding resources to communications. We live in a time of multiplying media – website, social media, videos, print communications, etc. To get the word out about our community and to offer virtual experiences, as well as the onsite ones, we have need for greater investment in communications and digital strategy.

One example of rising to a challenge and a shift in the current draft of the upcoming budget is using less reserves – we hope to draw the lowest amount since 2018. We have been living above our means over the last several years. We are blessed to have financial reserves, but we need to set appropriate limits on drawing from general reserves, so they are there to support our congregation in the future. The Payroll Protection Loans and a one-time generous gift also buoyed us up during the pandemic and for the current year’s budget. We are creating a budget for 2023-2024 that aims to move in the direction of sustainability.

Here are priorities that have come out of conversations with our Board of Trustees, which are helping to shape our plans for the year to come:

• Communications beyond our in-person & online “walls” 
  • communications & social media to prospective visitors  
  • social justice & community engagement  
• Communications within  
  • building up friend/membership connections
  • raising awareness of all the programs and ministries we offer
• Welcoming & Befriending  
  • newcomers experience 
  • hospitality with an 8th Principle lens 
• Pathways to Belonging & Commitment  
  • membership development 
  • financial stewardship and volunteer engagement
• Lifelong Spiritual Growth & Learning   
  • large group & small group worship and spiritual practices (online, in-person, hybrid) 
  • multigenerational and age peer group opportunities for learning, meaning-making, moral development, and fun! 

To fulfill our mission, a congregation’s budget also needs to share resources throughout all the areas of congregational life in holistic ways. Here are the areas of congregational life, which have staffing costs and other expenses connected to them.

6 Areas of Programs & Ministries:

• Worship & Music
• Children & Youth Faith Formation
• Adult Faith Formation
• Social Justice Ministries
• Pastoral Care & Caring Ministries
• Community Building Programs for Members, Friends, Visitors

6 Areas of Operations & Administration:

The elements that are the foundation of the programs and ministries above.

• Leadership & Governance
• Organization & Planning
• Communications, Media, & Digital Strategy
• Membership Outreach, Pathways, and Tracking
• Finances & Stewardship
• Facilities & Grounds

As you are aware, we are facing a gap in funding. I am delighted to share that the Close the Gap Campaign has raised $50,000 to narrow that somewhat. The Zap the Gap Auction will also help make a difference. While a significant gap remains, our community has dealt with waxing and waning resources over our history. Thank you for being generous according to your ability! That is all we ask for.

If you haven’t given yet to support the Rooted and Ready Campaign for 2023 or the Close the Gap Campaign for 2023, we would love your help. If you have – again, great – you are a part of our success.

As always, we will use our treasure in ways that bring our open-hearted, open-minded faith to life in our multigenerational spiritual community and in the world. We fulfill this call together.

In faith,

Rev. Alison 

Rev. Alison Miller (she/her/hers)
Senior Minister, First Unitarian Church of Portland
1034 SW 13th Ave., Portland, OR, 97205

503-228-6389
amiller@firstunitarianportland.org
www.firstunitarianportland.org

To make a pastoral appointment on my calendar, go to:
www.calendly.com/alisonmiller