It’s always a hard one, when you have to start writing that new year date. 2022! Who woulda thought it! Actually I’ve got a long history of having checks bounce because my brain persists in entering the year I’ve had 365 days to get used to writing. It’s easier now, of course, with electronic bookkeeping, Quicken, Billpay, ShelbyNext and the like. Oh right, ShelbyNext! Which reminds me . . . There’s a church budget that needs balancing.

Frugal as our staff and volunteers may be (and, to a person, they ARE!), costs get ahead of our plans. Insurance, that’s a big one. Utilities, even with our new energy saving lights. Supplies. And even the price of things like (gasp) coffee. It adds up. So, my friends, if you can (and if you haven’t done so yet) please contact our accountant, Catherine Cake (catherinec@ucgainesville.org). Or go to Shelby Next and indicate your plan to nudge your pledge a bit higher. You can send funds through your bank, or drop a check in the collection plate. With little bits from all of us who are able, we can balance UCG’s budget for 2022. Maureen Killoran Chair, Board of Business