A NEW HOME FOR A NEW ERA
The Capital Campaign for a New Meeting House

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Now in the third decade since our founding, UU Saratoga has become a vital source of hope, compassion, and spiritual growth within our community. The strength of our congregation lies in the unwavering dedication, talents, and generosity of our members, volunteers, and staff. Together, we have cultivated a vibrant, welcoming environment that touches lives, both within our church walls and beyond.

We now stand at a crossroads, ready to take the next bold step in our journey. The new meeting house we are committed to building is more than just a physical space—it symbolizes the future of our congregation. It will be a place where friendship, love, spiritual renewal, and growth continue to flourish. This is a pivotal moment, and we invite every member of our congregation to help turn this vision into reality through our capital campaign.

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Embracing a New Chapter

UU Saratoga Springs has always been a place of community, compassion, and connection. Our current home at 624 North Broadway has served us well, providing roots and a sense of belonging. However, as the world changes and the needs of our community evolve, we must also evolve. In December 2022, we voted to leave our current location and build a beautiful, accessible new home on a five-acre property at 400 Louden Road.

This move is not just about relocating; it’s about embracing a future where connection, inclusivity, and spiritual growth are at the forefront. The world we live in today is marked by growing isolation, division, and environmental challenges. People are seeking meaningful connections that give their lives purpose. While our current space has been a steadfast home, it was never intended to be our forever home. We have long envisioned a building and campus that would allow us to deepen our service and ministry, responding fully to the needs of our spirit and community.

In an era of declining religious participation nationwide, the need for the connection, companionship, and meaning that a religious congregation provides has only intensified. The national epidemic of loneliness has motivated us to create a community rooted in love, justice, and peace. In the face of a shifting political landscape, it is more important than ever for Unitarian Universalists to live our values, ensuring that democracy thrives and that justice and equity remain possible.

Saratoga Springs continues to grow, with more people choosing it as the place to live out the next chapters of their lives. As our local demographics shift, we see an increase in retirees, but this does not diminish the needs of families with young children. On the contrary, these families need even more support and attention. Our children require a community that advocates for a comprehensive education and allows them to explore religious ideas with love and compassion.

A New Vision for a New Home

After years of hopes, dreams, and efforts, we are on the brink of realizing a new home and a new future. The pending sale of 624 North Broadway and the congregation’s approval of our new meeting house on Louden Road bring us closer to this vision. This new home will move us physically and spiritually closer to nature, providing a space for contemplation, resilience, and spiritual growth.

Our mission for the new building is guided by four key values: living lightly on the land, being welcoming and filled with natural light, providing spaces for tranquility and multigenerational community, and inspiring creativity and reverence. Programmatically, our new home will offer accessible, inspiring spaces for congregational activities and community events. It will serve our growing population of retirees and support families with children through intergenerational love and compassion. The use of digital accessibility technologies will extend our reach beyond physical walls, fostering a more inclusive community.

Making the Vision a Reality

Our journey to this point has been fueled by the generosity of our congregation and the broader community. Significant donations, bequests, and successful fundraising efforts have brought us closer to our dream, but there is still much work to be done. The pending sale of 624 North Broadway, along with continued fundraising, will ensure that our new home is built, completed, and furnished to meet the evolving needs of our congregation.

Why We Need Your Support

The strength of our congregation has always come from our collective efforts. Our annual pledges fund the essential work of the church—supporting our programs, paying our dedicated staff, and maintaining our facilities. But to bring our vision of a new meeting house to life, we need everyone’s help. This is your chance to shape the future of our church, ensuring that it remains a place where all are welcome, where children and youth grow in a nurturing environment, and where we continue to stand on the side of love and justice.

How Much Should I Give?

Every member’s situation is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, we offer some guidelines to help you determine your level of giving:

• Separate Your Giving: It’s important not to reduce your annual pledge to contribute to the capital campaign. Our operational budget is crucial for the daily life of the church.
• Commit Over Time: Capital campaign commitments can be spread over 36 months, allowing you to give more generously over time.
• Guidelines for Giving: Typically, a capital campaign commitment is between one and four times your annual pledge. While some members may be able to make large “lead” gifts, every contribution, regardless of size, brings us closer to our goal.
• Lead by Example: Each of us should contribute what we can, guided by our love for the church and our commitment to its future.

A Vision for the Future

The new meeting house is more than just a building; it’s a testament to our belief in what we offer to ourselves and the world. It’s a statement that our mission is worthy of support, that the values we cherish are essential to our community, and that our congregation is poised to thrive for generations to come.

Call to Action

Now is the time to act. We ask you to make a commitment to both our annual campaign and our capital campaign. Reflect on what this church means to you and how you can help secure its future. Together, we will build a new home for a new era—a word that holds the promise of so much more.

Thank you for your generosity, your vision, and your commitment to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs. Let us build our future together.