In this feature we seek out answers to questions of broad interest, drawing on experts in congregations, the UUA, and elsewhere. If you would like to submit a question, please write to InterConnections at 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108, or e-mail dskinner@uua.org.

Q We have a major financial donor in our small congregation. When she’s happy, her pledge is increased by a significant amount and the church receives special gifts. When she’s dissatisfied, her pledge is reduced and favors are withdrawn. Our benefactor has recently expressed her disapproval of decisions that were made by two of the church committees. She’s threatening to cut her pledge in half. How should church officers respond?
A “As difficult as it may be, make time to talk with the donor about the situation,” says the Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris, the UUA’s director of congregational services. “While you value the support of this individual, both financial and otherwise, leaders need to continue to make decisions that they feel are in the best interests of the congregation as a whole. Tell her clearly that the congregation benefits from and appreciates her support; that she is a valued member; that you are sorry she feels it necessary to consider reducing her pledge for the reasons she has stated; and invite her to reconsider her financial support for the good of the whole congregation. Thank her for her financial support in whatever amount it may be. Your challenge is to maintain the relationship, remember that gratitude matters, and to let this person know that you will not allow her to use generosity or threats in ways that could be harmful.”

Q Where can I find a chalice design for our newsletter?
A There are chalice designs on the UUA Web site at www.uua.org/cong/chalice. There are designs for PCs as well as Macs. The site includes instructions on downloading them.

Q We’re beginning to plan for our minister’s sabbatical. Are there any guides to help us?
A Contact your district office and also order the Handbook on Sabbatical Leaves for Ministers & Congregations, by Helen Cohen and David Pohl. The handbook is $10 from the UU Ministers Assn., www.uuma.org/main/textpublications.htm or (617) 848-0498.

Q We’d like to have a more active program for young adults. How can we do that?
A Check out the Young Adult and Campus Ministry Anchor Congregation program, just un-veiled this past spring by the UUA’s YA-CM Office. The program helps congregations design ways to reach out to young adults, provide congregational support, and provide programming. Each year at General Assembly and the Canadian Unitarian Conference annual conference, the YA-CM office will recognize congregations that have been declared “Anchor Congregations” because of successful programs.
In 2004 those congregations were in Tulsa, Okla. (All Souls); Memphis, Tenn. (First Unitarian); Providence, R.I. (First Unitarian); Bloomington, Ind.; North Hatley, Quebec; Titusville, N.J.; Little Rock, Ark.; Clemson, S.C.; and Corvallis, Ore.
For more information or to learn more about young adult programs, go to www.uua.org/ya-cm or contact Michael Tino, director of the Young Adult-Campus Ministry office at mtino@uua.org or (919) 401-9944.