Dear UUCA Community,
As the holiday season draws near, it often feels like a time of gathering—a time when we come together with family, friends, and community. But beyond the festive gatherings, it’s also a season of stewardship, where we take stock of what truly matters. We reflect on what we’ve nurtured throughout the year and how we’ve helped sustain the people, places, and communities that support us. This is a time to ask ourselves: What seeds of kindness have I planted? How have I contributed to the wellbeing of those around me? What does the world need, and how can I help bring it to fruition?
At UUCA, these reflections turn us toward our shared values with LOVE at the center. We are part of a community that values inclusion, justice, and compassion. We hold space for one another in times of celebration and challenge, in times of growth and change. Whether through worship, programs, or the quiet conversations we share, we cultivate a deep sense of belonging—a place where each person is valued, and our differences are embraced. This community is sustained by our collective generosity.
As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to help us reach our goal of raising $25,000 through your year-end gift. Your contributions directly support the heart of UUCA—our dedicated staff, our vibrant programs, the upkeep of our beautiful building and grounds, and more. All of these elements are what make UUCA a spiritual home where we can continue to gather, grow, and serve together.
Generosity is not just a financial gesture—it is a spiritual practice. It reflects our commitment to something greater than ourselves. When you give to UUCA, you’re not just supporting a congregation—you’re investing in a vision of a better world, one rooted in love, justice, and equity.
As the calendar and tax year comes to a close, we hope you’ll consider making a contribution that reflects your values and the importance of this community in your life. Whether large or small, every gift matters and helps us continue our important work.
If you’re someone with an IRA or 401K distribution, you might also benefit from the tax advantages of directing those funds to UUCA (see the information below).
How to Give: You can make your year-end gift by scanning the QR code or visiting https://bit.ly/UUCA-Give-Pay-Online.
Please select “Year End Appeal” from the drop-down menu. You can also bring your check to church on Sunday or mail it to us along with a completed gift form included (included with a previously mailed letter).
Thank you for all the ways you support UUCA. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community—not just for ourselves, but for the broader Annapolis area and the world beyond.
With deep gratitude and best wishes for the season,
Jan Bird
President
Rev. John T. Crestwell, Jr.
Senior Minister/Executive
Tax Considerations Regarding Ways to Give to UUCA
- Give cash as you normally do.
- Gift appreciated stock. Use this year as an opportunity to review any stocks in a taxable account that have increased in value overtime that, if sold, would cause you to pay capital gains tax. Instead of selling that security, gift it to UUCA. It will get the full value of the gift without having to pay taxes on the sale.
- If you are 70 ½ , you are still eligible to make a cash gift from your IRA tax free as a Qualified Charitable Distribution. Writing a check or transferring stock directly from your IRA will reduce the amount of taxable dollars you take out of your tax deferred accounts during your lifetime.
- Don’t Wait Until the Last Week of December! This ensures that the charity can mark the gift as received for the 2022 fiscal and tax year. The following cut off rules apply to how your gift needs to be reported by you to the IRS:
- If you deliver in person, the check has to be physically received by the organization by Dec. 31. It is the same if you use a private delivery service such as FedEx or UPS,
- If mailed by the U.S. Postal Service, the letter must be postmarked by Dec. 31.
- If paid by Credit Card, your gift must be “Fully processed,” i.e., approved by the credit card issuer by Dec. 31.
If you have any questions about giving, please contact Linda Epps: lepps@uuannapolis.org
Thank you for your careful consideration and your generosity in support of UUCA.
Disclaimer: We are providing some general information about charitable donations; please check with your own advisor to ensure this fits your situation.