A Message From our Treasurer

On March 1, 2020, I addressed the St. Mark's Cathedral between-services forum at 10:00 AM with an update on UCEF. I was the guest of Brett Bowdon-Meade, who is St. Marks' liaison to UCEF through their Justice Committee. Brett introduced me and told the group of the history of St. Marks' involvement with UCEF, then I took the group through about six slides on what we do, how we do it, how effective it is, and how they could help more. We ended with 15 minutes of Q&A from a curious and engaged audience.

About 25 were in attendance, including the Very Reverend Steven Thomason, rector of St. Mark's. Steve gave an unsolicited testimonial during the Q&A portion, in which he described a scam he had been subject to while in ministry in Arkansas. He shared this to highlight the importance of a focused process such as UCEF maintains, which helps ensure the good stewardship of our funds toward legitimate needs and away from scammers. Steve also presented us with a check for St Marks' usual contribution amount toward UCEF, which we earmark for funding of "south of the Montlake cut" client assistance, including those referred by St Mark's.

Afterward, about half of the audience stuck around to help make snack packs, 25 of which Brett will deliver to the UCEF office.

We are grateful for St Marks' support of our mission and hope to strengthen and deepen the connection over time. For any newsletter recipients whose churches currently support UCEF and would like an update presentation, or for anyone whose church does not yet, but might consider it, I or another board member will happily arrange to give a presentation to your parish, outreach committee, deaconate, or other interested group. Please contact director@uchurchesemergencyfund.org to make your request.