Issue 35: September 2006, Page 1

< Table of Contents | Page 2 >

Helping Congregations Grow!

Chalice Lighters Program

A Chalice Lighters check for almost $8,000 was
presented to NEIUUF by Maryann LoGuidice, PSD
Resource Liaison (center). Accepting the check were
Bill Musser and Sue Otte, both former chairs of the
congregation’s Board.

Northeast Iowa UU Fellowship was the recipient of a big check, thanks to the generosity of the members of Chalice Lighters in PSD. NEIUUF, the newest affiliated congregation in PSD, is located in Decorah, Iowa. It was formed in 2003, affiliated in 2005, and quickly became a Fair Share contributor both to PSD and UUA. The congregation currently has 42 voting members and 23 children.

NEIUUF is a dynamic new group. They meet in a Senior Center, which gives members, at minimal cost, a completely accessible worship space along with classroom space for children and adult study. Members have taught an 8-week OWL class for 21 children and have organized an adult study program with 65 registrants on “How the Bible Happened,” conducted by a Religious Studies professor at the local college. NEIUUF will use their The Chalice Lighters grant for two purposes:

• Expand their membership base by carrying out a systematic and multifaceted effort to publicize their services and programs.
• Develop a basic Lifespan Faith Development program, including programs and facilities for children’s RE curricula, childcare for small children during services, and adult education opportunities.

The Chalice Lighters program provides opportunities for all individuals in the Prairie Star District to participate in the growth of existing and emerging congregations. Participants are asked to respond to three calls for help during the year by contributing $10 or more to help a specific congregation build or expand facilities, secure their first minister or other professional help, help with campus ministries, or to accomplish a program improvement that will help the congregation grow and help spread the liberal light.

It is possible to sign up to be a member of the program on the District Web site at http://www.psduua.org/ChaliceLighters/ChaliceLighters, or if you’d like to conduct a campaign to recruit additional Chalice Lighters in your congregation, printed brochures to hand out are available from the District office. Details of the current calls are available on the Web site and anyone can make a contribution online or by sending a check to the District office.

Congregations planning a project that qualifies for a Chalice Lighters grant can apply using the form on the Web site or request an application from the District office.

< Table of Contents | Page 2 >