Dear friends,

It is a big year for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbia as we set ourselves up for a search for our next settled minister. Many of you may recall that when the Board of Trustees elected to extend Rev. Lisa’s interim ministry, one of the reasons was due to financial uncertainty for the congregation. One contributing factor is a million-dollar loan that will be maturing (a balloon payment) in April of 2026. 

I know there is an ongoing government shutdown, so why are you receiving a message about this today? Frankly, there doesn't seem to ever be a day that our daily tasks/fears/outrage/uncertainty aren't competing for attention. I hope you will take this introductory message with what it is intended, an educational foundation for our future together as a congregation and gratitude to the commitment of our ancestors and the willingness of a few current members to help us move forward.

Why do we have a $1M loan?  

In the early part of this century, our congregation was housed here at Owen Brown Interfaith Center, but not the OBIC we know today. The Interfaith Center that opened in 1984 was half the size and congregants remember it looking more like a daycare center than an interfaith place of worship. So, our UUCC ancestors, some of whom are still around today, elected to invest in a future that allowed our congregation, and our faith, to grow. 

Architects were hired and a multi-phase, $3M expansion project took shape. The first $1.4 million renovation and expansion in October 2002 gave our facility four new offices, additional restrooms, new and renovated classrooms, and the lobby with elevator access. Another highlight of this project was the stained-glass façade that we have all grown to love. This was a key part in proclaiming our existence as an interfaith center to the community.  

In 2014, we took steps to secure a $1.5M loan to expand our facilities. This second phase broke ground in 2015. On May 8, 2016, UUCC gathered for worship for the first time in our new Sanctuary (C) with an official dedication on May 22. This is the loan that we pay monthly to the tune of over $8,000, half of which is interest. And this is the $1.1M loan that will mature in April. 

In 2014, we took steps to secure a $1.5M loan to expand our facilities. This second phase broke ground in 2015. On May 8, 2016, UUCC gathered for worship for the first time in our new Sanctuary (C) with an official dedication on May 22. This is the loan that we pay monthly to the tune of over $8,000, half of which is interest. And this is the $1.1M loan that will mature in April. 

What are our options? 

We have assembled an able Balloon Buster Task Force to answer this question. Members of this team are Kevin Mercer, Phyllis Cook, Jacquie Weinberg, and Eric Kieley, along with myself and Rev. Lisa. This team is tasked with investigating whether we: 

1. Pay off the loan; 
2. Extend the loan; 
3. Renew the loan; 
4. Refinance the loan. 

What could we do with $120 a day? 

That seems like a strange question, but when we think about our congregational budget and our mission, how far could $120 a day go? Currently, that is what we pay a bank in daily interest and a question we’ll be asking everyone to consider as we explore these options.  

This is no small task, but the force is strong and has already begun researching next steps. We anticipate having conversations with members of our congregation as the path forward becomes clearer. The Balloon Busters will also remain in close contact with the Board of Trustees.   

Look for more opportunities to talk about stewardship in the coming weeks and months. If you want to take immediate action, volunteer to help with coffee hour on a Sunday, staff the UUCC booth for an hour at HoCo Pride on October 26, or donate an event or item to the Auction!  

In faith and service,

Laurice Grae

Executive Director

gender pronouns: she/they

pronounced: LOR-ris GRAY