Canvass Dinner

 

The theme of the 2010 PUUC canvass (pledge drive) is “Building a Bridge to Tomorrow.” Over the last few years we have achieved many goals and we are now looking ahead to new dreams for the future. The canvass committee is asking that we look at what’s important to us as a congregation and set our sites on a positive tomorrow. To do this, we need to meet our operating costs first, and we do that through pledges. Please pledge what you can—and if you can, pledge more than you did last year - not only for those who cannot, but to ensure that the PUUC is building a bridge to the future.
 
            On March 13, the congregation will gather for our annual Canvass Kickoff dinner. Please plan to attend. This is a pot-luck and is open to all members and friends. To organize the food, we ask that those whose last names start with A-C bring dessert; D-J bring a salad; K-Z bring an entrée. Also please label any vegetarian or gluten-free dishes as such.
 
            Please RSVP if you are coming to the pot luck by calling or emailing the church office. Child care will be provided, but please let Vanessa know if you will be bringing children, so we can determine the number of babysitters needed. Also if any adult is interested in a babysitting shift that evening, please let Sarah Franklin know.
 
            You’ll receive your pledge packet at the social hour before dinner—and this year, we’ll have door prizes, drawn from the names of those who turn in their pledge packets that evening. Just think, if you turn in your pledge card that night, and it is drawn, you could win a gift certificate for dinner at Del Rossi’s or other prizes that we have in store. If you can’t make it to the dinner, we’ll mail your packet to you. Then you can turn it at Church on one of several Sundays, mail it, or drop it off at the Church office.
 
            Early in April, canvassers will contact everyone who has not turned in a pledge card. We will gladly visit with you one-on-one to talk about our church and this year’s canvass. If, however, you don’t welcome a visit—or even a phone call—please turn in your pledge card as soon as possible. We hope to hear from everyone and wrap up the pledge drive by April 15.
 
          
Over the last few years we grown our congregation, increased outreach and support to the local community, and worked diligently for social justice:
 
  • Membership increased by more than 10%, attendance is up each Sunday, and the Religious Education program is flourishing with new families.
 
  • Music and the arts play an increasingly vital role in Sunday services and in other events throughout the year.
 
  • The Service Fund committee awarded its second grant and its first matching loan.
 
  • The Community Suppers received a much-needed grant from the Goyette Fund.
 
  • Our youth group held a Games Night, which raised over $300 for Haiti relief efforts.
 
  • We became a Green Sanctuary!
 
Help us Build a Bridge to the Tomorrow. Please respond as generously and as promptly as you can to this year’s pledge drive.