Congregational Meeting and Vote on Sunday, 4/19 - St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church

From Matthew Cowperthwait

Dear St. John’s Members and Friends,

In this unparalleled time in our lives of self-quarantine, physical distancing and virtual services, we still count our blessings for the new systems that allow us to talk, see each other’s faces and offer care, words of wisdom and the rituals of song and chalice lighting, among other activities.

This season, St. John’s board has had to make decisions that none before us has had to do, such as canceling all in-person activities. In addition to the loss of personal connections, this has cost us income, including the weekly plate collections and canceled facility rentals from groups also needing to cancel their activities. We are also aware that the ongoing crisis has impacted many of our members financially as well and therefore their pledges for both this year and next year.

What we have not wanted to create is staff unemployment. We have kept on our staff members and they are working remotely as they are able on our behalf. For this we are grateful.

The combination of lost income and principle of supporting our staff means we are needing more budget than we have. Fortunately, the federal government has a significant program that we may be able to take advantage of.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) includes the opportunity for loan forgiveness, a very low interest rate (0.5%) for any portions not forgiven, and is targeted at organizations that are retaining staff, like us. This loan would potentially be in the range of $38,000, and as a result, would require congregational approval, per our bylaws.

The board believes taking out this loan makes good financial sense for the church. While lenders are still working through the complexities of the program, it appears St. John’s use of a PPP loan would qualify us for loan forgiveness. Additionally, this program makes all 501(c)(3) nonprofits eligible for funding and does not favor one faith over any other in its distributions. Finally, the UUA Office of Church Staff Finances has encouraged UU congregations to apply for PPP loans.

Applying doesn’t mean we’ll be approved. But to move forward, we need congregational approval to change the amount in the previously approved budget.

It’s our plan to hold a special, virtual congregational meeting on Sunday, April 19th, to have a vote on pursuing a Paycheck Protection Program loan for the church. In this meeting, we’ll share more details about the PPP as we want everyone to understand this opportunity before voting.

We’ll send details as soon as we can. In the meantime, information on the PPP can be found below, and if you have questions for the board, please send them to board@stjohnsuu.org or please feel free to call 513.961.1938.

Thank you for your continued support of this church.

Matthew Cowperthwait, President

St. John’s Board of Trustees

April 9, 2020

P.S. There will be additional communications regarding St. John’s finances soon. Please take the opportunity to review them. Thank you!

St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church

St. John's Unitarian Universalist Church

Sunday Services: In-person, masks optional, & livestreamed.