Our congregation is full of people, young and old, just like you, who started out looking for a religious/spiritual home that fits the realities of modern life. Many of us yearned for a spiritual community that invites us to think carefully and feel deeply together about life’s ultimate questions and that lifts our spirits, but does not require that we adhere to religious creeds and strictures that do not speak to us. We have found such a community here. We hope you will, too.
If you grew up attending services within a traditional religion, our services will be somewhat familiar, but refreshing. If you grew up without a religious background, or would describe yourself now as atheist, agnostic, or humanist, you will find kindred spirits here. We welcome all people, celebrating the creative possibilities of working with others who may be different than we are with regard to race, national origin, social and economic situation, gender, sexual and/or gender orientation, abilities/disabilities, beliefs, or other characteristics.
Our Sunday services usually include a story for all ages (a short message for our children), periods of reflection, time for members to share personal joys and sorrows, inspirational and thought-provoking readings from a variety of secular sources and religious traditions, a sermon, hymns, and other music provided by our choir, pianists, and other instrumentalists. Sermons are sometimes seasonal, often personal, frequently deal with current events, and relevant not only to everyday life but also to making our lives fuller and more meaningful. Ethics-based religious education is provided for children.
Our services and religious education classes are held on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. Services and classes usually last about an hour, but sometimes a bit longer. After service we usually have coffee and snacks at the social hour.
Visitors are welcome at any time of the year. We warmly invite you to join us and we look forward to meeting you!
STEWARDSHIP
Giving to Support What Matters Most
Stewardship: A Communion of Hearts, Souls, and Goals
Stewardship: A Communion of Hearts, Souls, and Goals is the theme chosen for the 2024 Annual Stewardship Campaign.
As we gather together, our spirit becomes greater than the sum of each individual. This year, the success of our annual campaign depends on the power we all have to make meaningful pledges to UU Surprise. A meaningful pledge is one that is financially significant, based on your personal circumstances, and conveys your commitment to support this liberal faith community.
Pledged donations are the largest source of our funding. Your pledges provide the fuel to run our congregation: professional and support staff, upkeep and maintenance of our building and grounds, supplies and equipment for programs and services, and other expenses. In turn, we have wonderful facilities in which to meet and celebrate where energized lay leaders create and lead worthwhile programs, such as, the Questers, Men’s group, Women’s groups, BUUk group, Social Justice Activities, Friendship Suppers, and the library.
By gathering our spirits and making significant pledges, we keep the flame lit to sustain and grow our liberal faith community.
Your Stewardship Team
17540 N. Avenue of the Arts Surprise, AZ 85378
2024 Stewardship Campaign
Financial Pledge Commitment Form
Your financial support for our congregation will ensure its ongoing efforts to build our faith community in Surprise and strengthen its outreach in service to our greater community.
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS ENTIRE FORM FIRST AND SUBMIT IT BEFORE SELECTING YOUR PAYMENT OPTION TO THE RIGHT.
- Via Mail – Checks can be mailed to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Surprise, 17540 N. Avenue of the Arts, Surprise, AZ 85378.
- Via Paypal – Online donations are processed via this PayPal link.
- Via Automatic Funds – You arrange directly with your bank.
- Via ACH – You can authorize a regular automatic, monthly deduction from your checking account via the attached form. Complete and mail this form to the UUCS Administrator at the above address or you can scan and email the ACH form to the UUCS Treasurer at uucsaztreas@gmail.com.
- Via Stock Transfer – Please indicate information on the Pledge Form submitted.
Give Tax-Free Donations to UUCS from Your IRA, 403(b), or 401(k)
You make a tax-free donation to UUCS and other 501(c)3 charities through an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) if you:
- Are older than 70 1⁄2
- Have an IRA (Traditional, inactive SEP, inactive SIMPLE, ROLLOVER).
Your donation can replace in whole or part your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for up to $100,000 annually. Consult your tax advisor for details and additional information.
Legacy Giving
Leave a Legacy for Future Generations
The work and mission of this congregation extends into future generations. To help sustain this work, you can plan a gift with Legacy Giving.
What Is Legacy Giving?
Legacy Giving is planning a gift that is deferred until after the donor dies. A planned gift can be of various amounts and is often the largest single gift donors will ever make. There are a wide range of giving opportunities, and in return for a legacy gift, donors may receive various estate and income tax benefits.
Ways to Create a Legacy Gift
Name the Congregation as Beneficiary: A will, trust or investment accounts includes naming the beneficiaries who will receive the funds upon the donor’s death. When you open a bank or investment account, annuity or insurance policy, you are often asked to name a beneficiary or multiple beneficiaries to receive the funds.
In financial and investment accounts, naming the congregation as beneficiary is usually simple. Just change beneficiaries online or submit a beneficiary change form from the financial institution managing your account.
Wills and trusts are often viable for personal property other than investment accounts and policies where beneficiaries are named. There may be attorney fees to change beneficiaries. You can structure the bequest to leave a specific item or amount of money, make a gift contingent on a certain event, or leave a percentage of your estate to UUCS. If you are subject to estate tax, your gift allows you to be eligible for an estate tax charitable deduction for the gift’s full value.
For more information about legacy giving for UUCS, please consult your tax advisor or attorney.
We welcome you!
Sundays at 10:30am
17540 N Avenue of the Arts
Surprise, AZ 85378
(623) 875-2550
A Progressive, Inclusive Faith Community