A Legacy of Generosity: Reflecting on the 2015 Pledge Drive
By Ed Busch
Earlier this year, in Moving Forward, Together: The Year We Chose Change, I reflected on the exciting transformations at UU Lansing and the ways our congregation continues to grow and evolve. The 2015 pledge drive was a key moment in that ongoing story—a time when our community came together to support both people and programs as we prepared for a new church home.
To kick off the drive, the church produced a short video featuring Rev. Kathryn Bert, Linda Anderson, Kate Sanford, and ministerial intern Nic Cable. Rev. Bert shared a message that still resonates:
“Our congregation is growing and changing. This year, as we begin the transformation to a new church home, we will be telling and retelling the stories that move us. Your story is part of the larger congregational story, and your money and your efforts help make this church thrive.”
You can watch the full 2015 video here.
2015 Pledge Drive video, ministerial intern Nic Cable and Rev. Kathryn Bert
Rev. Bert’s words echo what we heard during service on Sunday, September 14, 2025, when longtime member Pete Signell (age 97, attending since 1961 and a member since 1964) reflected during a pledge drive testimonial on the merger of the Unitarian Fellowship of East Lansing and the First Universalist Church of Lansing in 1957. Pete recalled with humor and clarity:
“The Unitarians had the children and the Universalists had the building.”
He went on to describe how the congregation soon outgrew that first building, moved into borrowed spaces, then purchased the former fraternity house on Grove Street in East Lansing, and eventually outgrew that as well—leading us to our current home in South Lansing.
From Pete’s 2025 reflection to Rev. Bert’s words in 2015, the theme is clear: our congregation’s story has always been one of growth, resilience, and the willingness to transform—sustained by the generosity and commitment of its members.
The 2015 stewardship co-chairs invited members and friends to the All-Congregation Dinner on October 11, 2015—a family-friendly kickoff event with a Mexican food buffet, sangria, dessert potluck, and children’s activities. Linda Anderson described the gathering as an opportunity for “great conversation about where we’ve been, where we’re going. We’re a congregation on the move.”
2015 Pledge Drive video, Linda Anderson
Kate Sanford emphasized thoughtful giving, suggesting members consider 3% of their adjusted gross income as a guide for their 2016 pledge. The October 2015 newsletter highlighted how pledges supported staff, programs, and building infrastructure, while the weekly email reminded congregants to RSVP and volunteer.
2015 Pledge Drive video, Kate Sanford
Looking back, the 2015 drive shows how UUCGL has always combined celebration, community, and generosity—a model that continues today.
This year, our pledge drive builds on that tradition. Congregants are invited to a celebratory “Thank You / One Week Left” Build-Your-Own Taco Luncheon on Sunday, September 28, after the church service. Volunteers are needed to bring food, help with setup, service, and cleanup. Sign-ups are available online here.
As in 2015, pledges remain essential for sustaining the heart of the church: worship services, music programs, faith development for children and youth, community partnerships, personal growth opportunities, and maintenance of our building and grounds. As noted in a recent newsletter:
“What if you could support one organization that is working for racial and gender justice, feeding the hungry, helping refugees, fighting gun violence, and protecting the rights of prisoners—and that organization would in turn support you with friendship, music, learning, and spiritual practice? You can! It's us.”
From 2015 to today, our pledge drives are more than just fundraising—they are moments to reflect on our shared story, celebrate our community, and sustain the church that sustains us all.
We’d love to hear from you! If you have memories from the 2015 pledge drive—or any other year’s pledge drive—you’re invited to share them with the archives at uucgl.archives@gmail.com. Your stories help keep our congregational history alive for future generations.
[in collaboration with ChatGPT]
Sources:
Weekly UUCGL email, 20151007This Week on the Path Get On the Bus.pdf
UUCL October 2105 Newsletter, Newsletter October 2015.docx
Pledge 2015.mp4 video
————————————————————————————————
About the Author
Hi, I’m Ed Busch, the writer behind these blog posts exploring the history of UU Lansing. After retiring in 2023 from a 15-year career as an Electronic Records Archivist at Michigan State University’s Archives & Historical Collections, I’m thrilled to dedicate my time to sharing our church’s rich history.
I hold a Master’s in Library and Information Science, specializing in archival administration, and my academic background also includes a degree in Fisheries and coursework in Computer Science. Before shifting to a career in archives, I worked across diverse fields, including fisheries, aerospace, and telecom.
My wife, Leigh White, and I have been part of the UU Lansing community since the early 2000s and became members in 2006. I’ve been actively involved with the church archives since 2007, and both of our daughters enjoyed growing up in UU Lansing’s Religious Education (RE) program.
I look forward to connecting with you through these blog posts as we delve into the stories that have shaped UU Lansing over the years.