Generosity
To worship means to consider that which has worth—today we consider, with gratitude, the many gifts of this community—
The opportunity to be affirmed in who we are and to offer that affirmation to others.
The space to expand one’s own spirit, to reconnect, and be reminded that we must see our world through the lens of love.
The questions of our children as they understand the world anew and offer their understanding to us as a fresh lens.
The laughter and joy of those giddy with the embrace of community
The dollars and cents of those who gave what they could—and then stretched a little more.
The infinite small acts of service that make the parts greater than the whole, done by those who knew themselves in sympathy with our purposes.
Let’s welcome all of these gifts with gratitude—for they have been paid for with many currencies by those who persisted in justice’s name against hostility and adversity. Let us consider with gratitude and humility what it means to pay forward what has been paid forward for us.
-Adapted from Rev. Leslie Takahashi
Dear Beloved Community Member,
Generosity: an Explicit UU Value each of us has three ways to express
Best guess: We’ve all figured out that generosity is a privilege. It’s also highlighted in our new Unitarian Universalist illustration of our values that centers Love as our core value. And this fall, the ESUC Generosity Pledge Drive offers three opportunities to feel good about our willingness to share generously — specifically to share volunteer time, share the benefits of our church by inviting others to join you here on Sundays, and of course to share funds that allow East Shore to thrive.
We’ll kick off the 2025-2026 Generosity Pledge Drive with an all-generation catered brunch after the service Sunday, September 28. Pledge cards like the one enclosed will be distributed and collected at each table. So please plan to attend this tasty and free event – and please consider well before September 28 what you will write on that pledge card. Notice that each of us is asked to contribute at a level that makes us feel comfortable and generous. And yes, it’s a privilege to do so.
Thank you,
Betsy Gelb
ESUC Member
THANK YOU for your generosity!
We hope all of you will join us on Sunday, September 28, as we pledge our support to East Shore and the work we are doing here.
To pledge online or for more information about the budget and how to give, please go to our website, esuc.org/give/gpd
How You Plan to Give Your Time & Talents to East Shore for 2026.
There’s so much going on at East Shore it may be difficult to know where to start. Now we have a new section of the church’s website which provides everything you need to get more involved: esuc.org/connect/get-involved.
On this page, you’ll find social opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities. Those include Big events we need help with, such as the Ingathering, Tabling at Salmon Days, Auction etc.; ongoing opportunities, such as Sunday Welcoming, ACE, cooking for Porchlight and Sophia Way; and working with children, such as teaching RE, OWL etc. On each of these pages, you’ll see a link or contact person to connect with.
At the very bottom of the GET INVOLVED page is information about how to become a member of East Shore, and also how to become a leader and get more involved in the running of the church.
How You Can Share East Shore in 2026.
East Shore is an amazing community, it’s clear you know that because you’re here! What better gift to give someone than to give them the gift of community. This year, we are asking you to please plan to invite friends, family, neighbors, co-workers…. anyone you know who needs community! The invitation can be for Sunday or another great event. And remember, even if the answer is “no,” they will feel complimented that you invited them… so much so they may come later, knowing the invitation is always open.
How You Plan to Give Funds to East Shore for 2026.
If you give by ACH, Bill Pay, or Recurring Credit Card Payments we are asking you to consider becoming a Sustainable Giver. This allows us to factor in an increase cost of expenses to the church each year, and allows you to decide how much you are willing to increase each year. You can change at any time.
If you are a Sustainable Giver you do not need to do anything. Some members are signed up to be a Sustainable Giver, meaning their pledge will automatically increase every year by a percent of their choice. This increase will happen every January. We are so appreciative of your decision to sign up to have your pledge automatically increase. Enclosed you will find a notice of the new monthly pledge amount, starting January 2026.
If you give a once or a few times a year by check or credit card, we ask that you fill out a pledge card to let us know how you plan to support East Shore in 2026. For the past few years, we have seen an increase in members who are set up for regular monthly giving. This helps us plan for the year as we can predict giving.
If you give by stock or designated giving, we ask that you fill out a pledge card to let us know how you plan to support East Shore.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Nicole Duff at [email protected].