For over half a century, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno has been a home for free thinkers and a welcoming, safe place for those building an individual spiritual practice.  Here, we raise our children with excellent, liberal religious education.  We have a faith that requires action . We call for social justice in our own lives and in the community; this is a place for those who work to better themselves and the community.  We are a unique voice for justice, equality, and opportunity in the Central Valley.

Our canvass theme for 2010 is “We are the People. The Time is Now.”  Now is the time for our membership and friends to recognize that the UUCF does not exist without their investment of time, talent, and treasure.  This church is a vital component in the landscape of the Central Valley, and it is our duty to maintain and extend its reach.

When we support the UUCF, we support the lives of its members, friends and visitors in their spiritual and intellectual growth.  We also support their ministry of justice, compassion and equality to each other, and to the community.

For many of us, the UUCF is a central fixture in our lives, and we support it with significant annual investments to ensure its operation now, and into the future.  We have made a commitment to grow, and our building requires additional expense.  We know you will consider carefully the impact that this church has had on your life, the lives of people you love, and the community of the Central Valley.

This year, we have set an ambitious Pledge income goal of $513,307. This is an increase of 17% from last year.  This includes $45,000 toward a $200,000 loan used to purchase the new property with the intent of paying it off in four years.  Upon completion of the Canvass, the Board of Trustees will review the proposed operating budget and make adjustments. The budget will then be presented to the congregation for approval in December.

Last year, we created the Internet-based canvass form to reduce the use of paper, to save money in mailing costs, and make it easier to send in pledge amounts. Of course, you may also print and mail your pledge form to the Church. We ask that you kindly submit your pledge prior to November 2, 2009.  This canvass website contains a great deal of information, including some giving suggestions from the UUA and testimonials from others in our congregation. 

For those of you who may be new to our Canvass Campaign and to pledging, we have included the UUA Fairshare Giving Guidelines on the website.

If the values of this Church resonate with you, there should be no question that “We are the People. The Time is Now.”  We are the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, and we need you to act now to support the church's message for each of you and our community.

May Peace be with you,

Canvass Co-Chairs: Karen Goodman, Erik Peterson, Trish Regonini