In line with its mission and vision, and to promote greater outreach to the surrounding community, the First UU Church of Essex County has begun a new program called "Share the Plate", to share our resourses with those who serve the most in need. The new program will require that at least half of the cumulative unrestricted donations made during the Offertory will be given to a designated charity or organization chosen by the Social & Earth Action Committee and approved by the church's Board of Trustees. Checks made to the church as part of members' pledge fulfillment, or for any other previously announced appeal (such as Chalice Lighters), will not be included.
The goals of the new program are to promote the congregation's stated vision "to be a life-affirming liberal religious community where people of diverse beliefs, ideas and backgrounds come together to provide spiritual and intellectual growth to one another and to work together in Orange, New Jersey for a greater good in the world", and to fulfill the congregation's mission "to study and practice religion in freedom and fellowship", and "[t]o provide support and care for our [religious] community and the community at large". It will also be seen as a way to enhance the meaning of the church's relationships with and among partners in the larger local community, build awareness, learn more about ourselves and the projects the church gives to, and to develop a philosophy of giving within the church community. However, the program is not intended to not displace other regular and special funding appeals.
Members can submit potential candidate charitable organizations and programs to the Social & Earth Action Committee, either directly, by mail or through the online nomination form. The committee will then review the candidates to see if they fit with the church's mission, vision and the program's goals. The committee's choice will then be sent to the Board of Trustees for their review. If approved, the charity will then be notified at least a month before collections begin. The name and a brief description of the charity will be listed in the church newsletter, with subsequent newsletters listing the final totals to previous charities. Although not required, it is strongly suggested that the designated charity have a representative come speak about their organization or project during at least one service at First UU of Essex, preferably during the Offertory of the first service of the period when collections begin.
Separate checks for the charity, either given during the Offertory or sent to the church for this purpose, should either be made out to the charity or to "The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Essex County" with "Share the Plate" in the "memo" line. To the extent allowed by law, checks written to the church will be acknowledged as a tax deductible donation. A church check for at least 50% of all unrestricted donations, as well as any received checks to be forwarded, with be sent with an acknowledgement letter no later than ten days after the last collection for that charity.
For more information, contact Georgiana Hart, Social & Earth Action Chair, at 973-763-1139 or
St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, for their program administered by Deacon Jerry Romero, distributing non-perishable food items and food vouchers to single women with children on welfare, the elderly and the disabled. (Spring 2009)
Haitian Pastors Association of New Jersey, for Haitian earthquake relief. (Winter-Spring 2010)