My Dear Neighbors in Christ,
I am grateful to have been asked to lead our Stewardship Campaign this year and to spend these weeks with intention as we enter a season of giving. Our theme this year is Walk in Love, and it calls us to remember that our greatest gift in community is how we align and come together in purpose and mission. When we walk in the same direction, we can do so many things.
During this season, we talk a lot about money and our budget. Yes, those things are important; they are the way we fund the Church, but our real focus is on what our gifts can do for the world. Jesus calls us to heal, visit, feed, accompany, protect, advocate, and love our neighbor, and sharing our time, talent, and treasure is the way that we make this happen.
Each of us hears this call differently, just as each of us has been blessed by God differently. Our talents and training have been gifts freely given to us in Creation so that we may share them with a world in need. How will you feel God’s call to walk in love this year? How will you determine how you will share your gifts with God’s people in the world?
With this letter, you are receiving the invitation to make your promise to the Church for the year to come. Before you fill it out, whether online or on paper, I ask that you pray about it, discuss it with your family, and discern how God is calling you to share your gifts. Let us know what time and talent offerings you would like to learn more about this year.
The vestry has set a target budget of $115k, which is an 11% increase from last year due to increased costs (building, utilities, cost of living) and a reduction in fundraising. In this stewardship season, we are asking that if you haven’t pledged in the past, prayerfully consider making a pledge for 2025. If you have pledged in the past, consider increasing your pledge by 10-15% if able. There are two easy ways to submit your pledge:
Our campaign will end on December 8th; please return your answer to us by then if possible so that we may count your pledge in our ingathering, where your gift will be added to many others to be blessed, broken, and shared with the world. If there is anything I can do to support you or questions I can answer; please do not hesitate to reach out.
Walking with you in Love,
Michael O’Hare
Stewardship Committee