by Moira Rouse & David Schowalter, Stewardship Team
| Pledges | $221,000 |
| Charitable IRA QCDs | $34,000 |
| Donors | 97 |
| Grand Total: | $225,000 |
In Wicked, Glinda and Elphaba sing to each other across a chasm of difference: “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” It is a lyric about the kind of transformation that happens in the daily act of showing up for one another. That song gave our stewardship drive its theme this year, “For Good,” and as we close the books on the 2026 drive, it feels more true than ever.
We are deeply grateful to announce that our community has met last year’s total: $255,000, committed to the life and mission of UUCW— $221,000 in annual pledges and $34,000 in planned Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, from 97 families and individuals who chose to invest in something that matters.
That number is not just a budget line. It is Sunday mornings and small group ministry, religious education and social justice work, music that moves us and silence that restores us. It is the door that stays open for the person who hasn’t found us yet.but is searching.
Like Elphaba and Glinda, we are an unlikely congregation — different in so many ways, often surprised by one another, but joined by a common plight, taking on the challenges of a changing world.. And we are changed for good by the relationships we have built in this place. Your generosity says: this community is worth sustaining. This work is worth doing. These people are worth showing up for.
If you have not yet made a pledge and feel called to do so, it is not too late — please do so under the “Donate” tab at uucworcester.org. And if you have already pledged, thank you. Because of you, the UUCW will continue to be a place where people are transformed, where justice is practiced, and where, as the song goes, we are all changed — for good.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Moira and Dave at stewardship@uucworcester.org.
Thank you,
The Stewardship Team