September 2026
Looking Ahead to 2027
The CLC is beginning work on the 2027 Ministry Plan and Spending Framework. A Ministry Plan Task Force has been formed with Laura, Paula, Tyler, Gia, David W., and others working together to develop the plan. The goal is to think about the big picture first: What are the ministries and priorities that will shape our next year together? The spending framework will then follow from those priorities. This work will also connect directly with the upcoming Stewardship Campaign, so you can expect to hear more about how our shared financial resources support the ministry we do together.
There will be an important opportunity for the congregation to participate on Sunday, October 25, when we will consider the proposed Ministry Plan and 2027 Spending Plan at our Fall Congregational Meeting and Potluck. We will also share a State of the Congregation update, including work around rentals, outreach, the Masquerade, equity training, and more. We’ll also take some time to look back at what we’ve accomplished this year — including Guns to Gardens and Out! Raleigh — and consider how those experiences can help shape the year ahead.
Our Finances: Resources and Responsibility
The CLC reviewed our year-to-date financial picture and approved the budget. Overall, we are tracking better against the budget than expected, which is encouraging. At the same time, there are some important things to keep an eye on. We currently have more than $13,000 in unallocated funds from the $30,000 budget. Unspent funds do not automatically carry over into the next year’s budget; they go into our reserves. That raises an important question for all of us: What could we accomplish together if more people got involved in helping identify and carry out the ministries our congregation wants to support?
There is also a significant change coming to our mortgage. For the past two years, we have been making interest-only payments, but that arrangement ends in April 2027. Beginning in May, our mortgage payments will increase significantly, making thoughtful stewardship and financial planning especially important.
A New Opportunity to Support Children in Foster Care
Emily proposed a new community service project supporting the Children’s Home Society, an organization working with children in foster care. The idea is to hold a donation drive in spring or summer 2027 for items such as luggage, hygiene supplies, books, diapers, and other necessities. Emily is willing to lead the initiative, and the CLC approved $500 in seed funding to help get it started.
There are still details to work out, including storage, whether the drive will be primarily internal or open to the wider community, and how youth might participate in deciding how funds are used. We may also have an opportunity to partner with other churches and organizations in our network. Want to help? Keep an eye out for more information as this project develops — or reach out if you would like to be part of the planning team.
Racial Equity Training Coming to UPUCC
The CLC also approved $8,500 to bring Organize Against Racism to UPUCC for a full two-day racial equity training. The training would accommodate up to 45 participants, with approximately 20–25 seats being filled by UPUCC and the remaining seats filled by the organization leading the training. The training will likely take place on a Friday and Saturday, with the possibility of scheduling it as early as late October or sometime in the coming year. The exact date is flexible and will depend on the organization’s availability.
The training cost does not include food. A nominal registration fee — with the possibility of waivers — could potentially help cover catering and childcare. The CLC also discussed whether a book study or other introductory opportunity could happen beforehand to help people become familiar with some of the topics the training will address.
This is an exciting opportunity not only for our own congregation but for the wider community. More details will be shared once a date is established.
A Few Other Things Happening Around the Church
There is plenty of activity beyond the CLC meeting room!
- Masquerade Dance: The CLC approved $1,500 for the Masquerade Dance Task Force to cover the DJ and photo booth. Tyler will also reach out to offer additional support. If you have been thinking about helping with the Masquerade, this is a great time to jump in.
- Garden: The CLC approved the purchase of a new garden pump. Funding will come first from the remaining Garden Fund, with any additional cost covered through general maintenance funds. The Garden Fund has received approximately $350 in recent directed donations.
- PACE: Peter has been doing significant organizing and education work at Healing Transitions. More updates about PACE and related work will continue to come through the church.
- Community Hour: Community Hour continues following its kickoff last week. The early conversations have had good energy, and there is an opportunity to keep building connection by sharing experiences, ideas, and stories with one another.
- Get Out the Vote: Upcoming activities include postcard writing and other opportunities to participate in civic engagement.
- CLC Membership: The congregation will vote after worship on Sunday, October 4, 2026, on accepting the new member-at-large and Moderator-elect to the CLC.
A Conversation About Bathroom Signage
The CLC also approved changes to the bathroom signage. The current male- and female-identified signs will be removed, and new signage will return to Male and Female designations. An informational poster will explain the history behind the signage and the church’s evolving understanding and stance. The poster will be placed in the church-area hallway rather than the atrium. The CLC also discussed the possibility of a removable or more concise sign for the atrium on Sundays. The goal is to make sure the church’s history and welcoming commitments are communicated clearly while preserving the important language developed for the informational poster.
How Can You Get Involved?
If there is one thing we’d love you to take away from this update, it’s this: there are lots of ways to participate, and you don’t have to join the CLC to make a difference.
The CLC is working on big-picture planning, but the ministry of UPUCC happens because people throughout the congregation offer their time, creativity, energy, resources, and ideas. You could: help with the Masquerade, join the Ministry Plan conversation, help organize the Children’s Home Society donation drive, participate in racial equity training, tend the garden, join Community Hour, come to an event, invite a friend, or start a conversation about something you’d love to see happen at UPUCC. If you’ve been wondering where you fit in, this is a great time to ask. Talk with a CLC member, a ministry leader, or someone else already involved. There is room for new ideas, new energy, and new people.
Next CLC Meeting: Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 12:00pm
Everyone is encouraged to stay connected, ask questions, share ideas, and find a way to be part of the life of our church.
