As we begin this new time of ministry here at St. James’, our season of giving (Stewardship Season) is quickly approaching. Whether you are new to our community or longtime members, we all know that finding a way to talk about raising money for our church that feels sacramental is uncomfortable. This season of stewardship is particularly pressing because our church income has decreased over the last several years. During a period of significant inflation and rising costs only 37% of our congregation is currently pledging. We have not been able to meet the needs of our operating costs for the past two years, which is how we are able to support our staff with a living wage, have a vibrant music ministry, support our children and families, as well as our maintain altar guild and outreach programs. While this decrease has occurred, our staffing needs and ministries have been bursting forth with new life and they need all of our support, allowing St. James’ to continue to be a beacon of Jesus’ love in our community.

Our Stewardship Committee and Vestry are inviting us all to prayerfully consider all the reasons we are thankful for St. James’ and how we may be able to give more of ourselves in time, talent, and treasure.

Beginning October 13th, we will be joined by some of our community members who will share their personal testimonies of why they are thankful for St. James’. Alongside these inspiring messages will be communications from our vestry, asking you to fill out a pledge card (included with this letter), so that we can prepare a budget that reflects the robust mission of our church. To conclude this season of giving we will have a joint service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 24th, followed by fellowship brunch. At this celebratory service we will share the results of our stewardship season, have a special blessing over our pledges, and join in fellowship together, giving thanks for our community’s generous heart.

You will also notice our pledge cards ask you to update your information and to affirm if you are baptized, confirmed (in the Episcopal Church), or interested in one or both. Please fill this out, even if your status seems obvious. Our church records are incomplete, and Mother Pilar needs this information for our required diocesan and national church data reporting. This information will only be shared with Mother Pilar.

Whether you can give $5 a year or $5000, each of your pledges matter! Whether you can join one of our outreach programs or several; your Time and Talent matters! They are a reminder to us all of the sacramental life that we share and are an outward sign of our commitment to serve God in the community around us. St. James’ needs each and every one of us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world. And while we ask you to show your thankfulness for St. James’, please know that our church leadership is thankful for each of you and the diverse ways you glorify God among us.

Completed pledge cards, can be mailed in, dropped off at the office, or placed in the offering plate on Sundays.

Yours in Christ,

The Stewardship Committee of St. James’ St. James’ Stewardship Committee

John Devins, Chair Sister Marie Patricia -Hughes Tara Covert Lanning Jamie Bova, Treasurer Reverend Pilar F. Padrón Parnell