Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Lafayette
March theme is Forgiveness
Sunday Sermon: Lavishly Flung Forth: The Ecology of Generosity, by the Rev. Vail Weller, UU Society of Sacramento (aka UUSS).
Special days coming in March
- March 4th: Mardi Gras!
- March 9th: Daylight Saving Time begins.
- March 13th: Holi
- March 17th: St. Patrick’s Day
- March 20th: First day of spring
- March 30th: Eid al-Fitr
- March 31st: Cesar Chavez Day
ANNOUNCEMENTS
This coming Sunday is our pledge drive. Hopefully the past month on the theme of Generosity has geared you up to think about the importance of supporting this loving congregation with actions and bucks.
We’d like a few members to address the congregation with a brief statement about why they feel it’s important to help our organization thrive. If you are willing to speak, or have any questions, please contact Mary by email or call 337-519-8553. We need to know who will be speaking.
ABOUT GIVING — TO UUFL
Our membership committee sends this appeal. Please consider giving of your time, money, and expertise to help our congregation thrive and grow.
Stewardship and Pledging Time and Money
If you’re a member of our Fellowship, or have been around long enough to make us think you are, we ask you contribute your time and financial resources.
We need both. We can’t get anywhere without willing hands and creative minds. By working together, we lessen the burden and build community. There are always things that need doing — religious education, organizing, work projects, maintenance, communicating….
And if everyone makes a responsible financial contribution, our church can expand and grow, with new programs, community outreach, and social justice programs. How much is enough? We ask that you consider 3 to 5 percent of your income.
We know people are in varying life circumstances. Some are caring for elderly relatives or have health concerns or medical bills of their own. Others are between jobs. We don’t ask that your contribution be a hardship. But neither should it be easy. It should reflect a serious commitment to your spiritual home, where you, your family, and friends will find support, learn, and continue your search for religious meaning.
This commitment works both ways. We pledge to maintain a safe, welcoming environment where your religious questioning and searching are respected and nurtured.
Annual Pledging: Our church year runs from January 1 to December 31. At the beginning of the year, we ask members to make a financial pledge as they plan their budget. Most friends and members find it convenient to pledge a monthly amount. Then in late fall, we’ll ask you to consider a pledge for 2026.
If you’d like to make gifts of stock or other types of giving that are out of the ordinary, please discuss it with our treasurer, Dale Martin, or any member of the Executive Committee.
We’re happy that you are part of our Fellowship.
Best Wishes,
The Membership Committee
EVENTS CALENDAR
- Sunday, March 2nd — pledge drive! Followed by lunch bunch at El Paso restaurant, on the patio, weather permitting.
HAPPENINGS
Potluck
Last Sunday’s potluck featured delicious roasted brussels sprouts! And King Cake! It was Annabelle’s birthday.
Serving with Inn Ministry: Stories of Hope
by Karl Deringer
This week, I had the opportunity to assist with the Inn Ministry, a mission close to the heart of our church. Every Tuesday, Janet and her husband, along with our dedicated volunteer Mary, go out to serve those who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness. The stories of the people we encounter are often heartbreaking, but through the love and support of Inn Ministries, we are making a difference in their lives.
Inn Ministry provides food, clothing, toiletries, hope, prayers, and critical information to those in need. I want to share just a few of the many lives touched this week:
- A Single Mother in Crisis – A young mother and her 4-year-old child lost everything when their home burned down. Without a phone, food, or essentials, she should have received aid from the Red Cross, but the system failed her. Thankfully, Janice stepped in, connecting her with the necessary services and even planning to return the next day with diapers for her child.
- A Young Man with Nowhere to Turn – After a difficult breakup, a young man was left with nothing. He had only enough money for a few nights in a hotel but lacked any long-term resources. We provided him with food, clothing, including a jacket and guidance on available resources he could tap.
- A Pregnant Woman Facing Homelessness – A young couple had recently lost their housing and were staying in a hotel, struggling to hold on. The woman, expecting a baby in early March, needed urgent assistance. Janice shared crucial information about local resources. We provided extra food and some financial support to help them stay sheltered until their next paycheck arrived.
These are just a few of the many lives touched by Inn Ministries. The needs are great, but through our ministry and the generosity of our community, we are feeding the hungry, helping people find shelter, and guiding them toward resources that can change their lives. Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Your Inn Ministry team adds:
Folks at “The Inn” continue to need food, including protein, such as canned meats, beans and fish, all with pull tops. For those who are temporarily housed, but struggling to feed their families, hotdogs and sliced meats are good. Instant grits and oatmeal, quick-cooking rice, ramen noodles, and boxes of mac&cheese work well for those with microwaves. Fresh produce is a blessing – fruit and veggies.
And of course, money is always welcome!
Thank you, newsletter team, for your weekly effort in sharing your gifts as well as your needs to continue the valuable work you offer. Nice pic of 2 potluck cuties. See y’all Sunday. ❤️
Thank you, newsletter team, for your weekly effort in sharing your gifts as well as your needs to continue the valuable work you offer. Nice pic of 2 potluck cuties. See y’all Sunday. ❤️