I’ve been humming “Keep on Moving Forward” to myself this month. Have you? We picked the theme for this year’s pledge drive because it is optimistic. It talks about moving proudly, singing loudly, loving boldly, reaching across our borders, ending occupations, and stopping wars. These are all things we here at Pacific Unitarian embrace in our faith. I imagine this as an anthem of our continued work together.
The pledge drive is winding down, but it isn’t over yet. We still need your help to meet our goal. I am especially moved by the need to give our staff cost-of-living raises. The staff has not received raises since 2019. Recently the board voted to provide pay increases that match inflation, and we hope to continue with another cost-of-living increase in this next fiscal year. Our values speak to equity and justice. It is typical in most UU churches to give staff a pay increase that matches inflation. It helps our staff continue to afford basic necessities in life and ensures that Pacific Unitarian is competitive in an ever-shifting labor market.
The proposed new Article Two of our Unitarian Universalist Association includes equity as one of its values. It says, “we declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness. We covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities.” Equitable pay in an expensive metropolitan area is a part of our values.
On another note, I spent last week at a ministers’ retreat in Phoenix, Arizona. As a part of the retreat, we talked about issues and innovations in ministry, including ChatGPT, the new open artificial intelligence. We had an exciting time asking it to come up with strange sermon titles for us or for help with research. I hope to do a workshop on ChatGPT with Pacific Unitarian’s senior group.
I also got the opportunity to attend a ministerial installation in Arizona. I visited the Granite Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Prescott, AZ. The service was a lovely combination of music and preaching with ministers from around the country. It was heartening to see a community celebrate an excellent ministerial match. I hope Pacific Unitarian will have a celebration like that when you all find your next settled minister.
Happy Spring! Sending love,
Chloe
