Vestry Statement on Annual Giving
Dear Friends -
The 2009 Annual Giving cycle is upon us! Over the last decade we have been blessed with a vibrant and growing membership. Collectively our time, talent and treasure make a huge difference in the lives of many.
Please take a moment to look through this brochure and see what we, collectively as a Parish, were able to accomplish in 2008. There is a tremendous amount of energy and momentum at St. James’s, and we should be proud of this work.
Can we do more in 2009? Absolutely! Opportunities are abundant, especially when you think about the new physical space we’ll have next year with which to expand our ministries and outreach efforts. As you think through your 2009 pledge, reflect on this momentum, your calling to be more fully engaged in this wonderful Parish, and the positive impact your actions have on those connected to our various ministries.
What can you do? Please consider the following as you make your pledge for 2009:
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Make your St. James’s pledge your primary charitable gift to enable God’s work
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Give according to the blessings you have received
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Walk to the altar with your pledge card on Pledge Sunday, October 12th
As Winston Churchill once said, "You make a living by what you get - but you make a life by what you give."
We invite you to join us in giving to God out of thanksgiving for the abundance, success, and blessings we have received for no other reason than that we are God’s children. Together we will make our thriving and growing ministries not only possible but transformative in our community at St. James’s and beyond.
We look forward to your support in the coming weeks as we approach The Feast of St. James's on October 8 and Pledge Sunday, October 12. Please call either of us with questions or suggestions.
Thank you very much!
Scott Hetzer and Jay West
2009 Annual Giving Co-Chairs
What we give to the Church’s work in the world depends on the relationship each of us has with God. In considering a level of commitment, we must reflect on and pray about our thankfulness to God for the good things given to us in this life. The Vestry supports charitable giving representing a percentage of one’s income, with the hope that a pledge to support God’s work at St. James’s will be an individual’s or family’s largest charitable gift.
The Vestry acknowledges the Biblical tithe of 10% of annual income as the standard of giving to God’s work in the world. We strongly encourage our fellow Vestry members and parishioners to be mindful of the tithe as we prayerfully consider our financial commitment to the vital work and ministry of this congregation in our community and in the world.
We further recognize that in order to expect parishioners to contribute a larger percentage of their giving and time to St. James’s, the Church must communicate clearly how it uses its resources to support the ministries and maintenance of St. James’s.
Unanimously passed by the St. James’s Vestry on March 18, 2008
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