Theologian and jazz great, Duke Ellington, got it right: “Come Sunday, oh, come Sunday, that’s the day.”

We call it Celebration Sunday, this Sunday, when we try to transform our financial giving to support First Unitarian into a joyful expression of our gratitude for all the church means in our lives.

My goal is to convince more of us to be in the sanctuary this Sunday. Because this Sunday will be different.

The way we’ve done this in past years, Celebration Sunday has meant individuals (and families) bringing your pledges of financial support down front where the ministers and lead staff are there to receive them. Opinions about that ritual are very divided. Folks either love that or hate it. And many folks just stay home.

Then there is that long sermon about generosity. I’ve preached some that people tell me have been moving, but they have tested the patience of younger children and youth. Many families just don’t come.

And how can we possibly deal with the monthly theme of “Death” on a Sunday when we try to celebrate? I’ve been asked that more than once.

This Celebration Sunday will be different.

Imagine music inspired by New Orleans jazz helping to hold both the spiritual theme of death and our celebration. “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Imagine being asked to turn in your pledge before the service, before you even come into the sanctuary. Imagine not having to come down the aisle unless you are moved to dance down.

Imagine the ministers and staff coming to you with a special token of our shared gratitude.

Imagine that I get to tell a “Story for all Ages” rather than preach a sermon.

Imagine…well, just imagine that there might be other surprises.

We have tried hard to make this service truly a celebration. I’m sure it won’t come off perfectly, but it doesn’t need to be perfect to be joyful.

So, come Sunday, I urge you all to come. The success of the Annual Fund Drive hinges on each of us and all of us offering our support for this church that means so much in so many lives.

That is something to celebrate.

See you in church…come Sunday.

Bill