I love the Fall. The whole idea of winding down the productivity of a growing and harvest season to prepare for a long winter rest draws me into the perfection of our earth’s cycles. In anticipation of Thanksgiving I get to take stock of the riches in my life – my family, friends, profession and Spirit’s love.
The most valuable gift I get from my participation in Unity of Santa Rosa is an incredible family in which to heal, grow and contribute. In my involvement as a Board of Trustees member, my attendance at Sunday service, my spiritual exploration in community, and the resulting friendships, Unity teaches me every day that I am loved and a precious part of the Infinite Divine. I can’t get this support outside of a spiritual community. I am deeply grateful for this spiritual home.
Working with the Board as Treasurer for the last three years has given me an opportunity to share the gift of who I am while gaining blessings and personal growth. The common view of “service” for the benefit of others does not ring true for me. I give of myself, not because it helps others, but because it helps me. By giving fully and as honestly as I can, I get to see the world respond back to me with abundance, peace and joy.
Unity of Santa Rosa will need growth and prosperity consciousness to sustain itself into the future. With the base expenses of operating our church at approximately $104,000 annually, we need to increase our church size. In addition, each of us must evolve in our prosperity consciousness so financially supporting our spiritual home is no longer a burden. In our current church size, an average annual contribution to support our church would be $1,800 per person, or $35 per week. Some of us can support at a higher level than others and joyfully do this. We no longer have reserves on which to operate. We must now be fully self-sustaining each month to continue our operations. This means bringing in at least $9,000 per month.
Financial commitment is where the rubber meets the road. We might ask ourselves, “What value does my church provide me?” and “From where comes my good?” To support our church we can raise our own prosperity consciousness through study, prayer and practice. We can open our hearts to our church visitors. We can financially commit to the support of our church. We can give our time and talent according to what calls to our hearts. We can pray for each other, our church and our world.
In Deep Appreciation,
Kathy Hoare, Treasurer, Unity Board of Trustees
