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Ohio-Meadville District of the UUA |
You possess only a small light, but uncover it, let it shine. Use it in order to bring more light and understanding to the hearts and minds of men and women. Give them not hell, but hope and courage.
~John Murray ~ Founder of Universalism in America
Program history ~ How to become a Chalice Lighter ~ How to apply for a Chalice Lighter's Grant ~ Read about our current call ~ Donate Now
Are you willing to let your light shine? Would you like the opportunity to support Unitarian Universalism in a larger way that goes beyond the walls of your local congregation? In these times of cultural anxiety, we need to let our light shine to speak the message of liberal religion loudly and clearly. A very important way in which we let our light shine is by participating in the Ohio-Meadville District Chalice Lighters program.
An OMD Chalice Lighter is an individual who pledges to respond with a $10 contribution when the call comes to help a congregation in our district.
Through this program, you can directly reach out and help an OMD congregation realize its dream of expanding its outreach into the community, making its building accessible, improving religious education for its children, create new programs for growth, develop new social justice outreach or strengthen some other vital part of its ministry. This is a way to immediately support our fellow OMD congregations in their work to grow and nurture our faith.
As John Murray has said, we want to spread the message of hope and courage to our larger communities. If we enroll 2,000 people in the OMD Chalice Lighters program, we can provide $20,000 to a congregation in need of a building! We can provide a start for a new UU society. $20,000 could help a congregation call a minister! Just imagine what YOU-combined with the efforts of other Chalice Lighters-can do!
Here’s how the program works
A congregation sends a proposal to the OMD Board. The Board reviews the request to make sure it meets program guidelines of scope and accountability. When a request passes Board review and is put on the priority list, the OMD sends out a "call" to all Chalice Lighters in the district. Each OMD Chalice Lighter has pledged to send a minimum donation of $10 to the OMD Office for the congregation named in the “call.”
There is a maximum of four “calls” per year. Consequently, the Chalice Lighter commitment for each year is $40 to help our OMD congregations grow and thrive. Of course, Chalice Lighters are encouraged give more if they are inspired by the project named in the call. $10 per call is the requested minimum commitment.
Some Past Chalice Lighter Grant Recipients
Want to apply for a Chalice Lighter Grant? Download the application form as a pdf form or a word document.
Become a Chalice Lighter now! Fill in this form and we'll add you to our list and send you the next Chalice Lighter's call.
Powered by WufooSpread the word in your congregation. You can download a pdf copy of the brochure by clicking here.
Want more information first? Email the OMD Office your request for more information. Someone from the OMD office or the board will be in touch. Or, click here to download an interview with Rev. Joan VanBecelaere, District Exective about the Chalice Lighter's Program.
How to Apply for a Chalice Lighter's Grant - Current Deadline is July 1
Chalice Lighter grants are available to congregations who are members of the Ohio-Meadville District, or clusters of congregation who are members of the Ohio-Meadville District. To apply for a Chalice Lighter's Grant, download the application form as a pdf form or a word document. You will need list the details of your project, your projected budget, provide pledge and budgetary information and verify a vote by the board of trustees of the congregation to make the application. While grants are not restricted to congregations or clusters who are fair share for the UUA Dues and District Dues, the board does take that into consideration as well as looking at how active your congregation has been in the Chalice Lighter's program. Currently the OMD Resource Development Team reviews the applications and recommends to the executive committee of the OMD Board the current receipient of a call. Deadlines for the four calls are: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Submit the application to the District Office and the District Administrator will distribute it to the appropriate team members. Please note that submitting the application electronically makes distribution easier and quicker. Even if you cannot submit all your supporting data electronically, please submit the actual application via email. If you have questions during the application process, please contact the district office for assistance.
Current Chalice Lighter's Call
The current Chalice Lighter's call benefits the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Bellville, OH. This call is being sent out at the end of December.
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Bellville, OH, has submitted a Chalice Lighter Grant application to ask for help in creating a new part-time ministerial position and funding enhanced programming and outreach efforts. This application was approved by the Ohio-Meadville Board at its December 2007 meeting.
All Souls has had no professional ministerial leadership, not even on a part time basis, for over 50 years. Over the last ten years, however, they grew from approximately 20 members to a current membership of 63! This last year alone, they grew 9%. Recently, it has become clear that this increase in membership has placed increasing demands on their dedicated but all-volunteer lay leadership.
Part-time professional leadership can help this congregation continue to move forward with their new energy and outreach. Your Chalice Lighter dollars will help fund a part-time ministerial position as well as pastoral care for members and friends; an in-depth new member and visitor program; an expanded religious education program for adults; a new religious education program for youth; support for the lay-leaders of the congregation that enhances their current program's strengths; a stronger financial commitment from members and friends; stronger relationships with other community religious leaders and more!
All Souls UU Church needs a financial boost - from you - to expand their ministry and keep moving forward. They have already found a part-time minister with enthusiasm for the task. Now, they need your help to achieve their dreams.
If you are not currently a chalice lighter and would like to contribute towards this call, you can send a check, made out to OMD Chalice Lighters to:
Ohio-Meadville District Office
PO Box 157
St. Clairsville, OH 43950
If you wish to be included in future calls, please submit your information in the form above, or download the Chalice Lighter's brochure and fill out the form and send it to the district office with your check.
Sincerely,
Joan VanBecelaere, District Executive
