Join us in repeating our building affirmation:
“We give thanks that Unity on the Bay’s right and perfect home is manifesting under the guidance of God.”
Dear Friend of Unity on the Bay,
It’s been awhile since we updated you on the status of our property sale. You may know that the membership of our spiritual community recently approved a slightly reduced sale price. This was the result of a survey that revealed the property was a bit smaller than what was in the public record, reducing the number of units that can be built on the property. The membership approved the adjustment with the vast majority voting to support the offer during the membership meeting. We remain deeply grateful for yet another confirmation of the mutual love, trust and respect that our community stands for.
The buyer has notified us that they anticipate a closing by the end of this year. The Board of Trustees is moving rapidly to identify a new site and will soon present a plan to the congregation. The Board is also moving forward in forming committees and teams to support us in the creation of our future home. After the current property is sold, we will remain at the current site for up to nine months. It is the goal of the Board of Trustees to move directly from our current property to a new facility without a temporary, transitional location in between. It is an ambitious goal, but one we believe is possible.
While the proceeds from the sale of our property will be significant, we want to emphasize that no funds will be received until the closing is complete. It is important to understand that these funds will not to be used for the day-to-day operations of Unity on the Bay, but are earmarked for the purchase and development of a new property, transitional expenses, and the creation of an endowment to secure the future of Unity on the Bay.
We mention this because some congregants have informed us that they have reduced or discontinued their financial contributions because they incorrectly believed that we had already received millions of dollars from the sale of the property. In fact, we have incurred significant additional expenses in legal fees. And we will begin to incur architectural and other fees related to the purchase and planning for the new site.
This is happening while tithes and offerings are down this year and last. In 2017, we experienced a $180,000 reduction in tithes and offerings, resulting in an operating deficit. We have made staff reductions and increased facilities and parking rentals to help compensate and we would much prefer to avoid any additional cuts.
Thank you for holding your spiritual community in prayer during this historic time and for continuing to move forward with us in faith. As you feel guided, please consider the personal value of our community in your life and consider increasing your support to sustain our ministry during this time of transition.
If you have any questions, please direct them to board@unityonthebay.org
In spiritual unity,
Eddie Dominguez, President
Board of Trustees
Rev. Chris Jackson, Senior Minister