Stewardship 2023: A Message from the Committee

Members of St. James,

As this Stewardship Campaign approaches its conclusion, we write to report to you on the incredible results to this point. We are, simply stated, overwhelmed by your confidence, enthusiasm, and support. Few are the times that we have appreciated the strength and resolve of this Parish more than now. You have all brushed aside economic headwinds and the practical uncertainties of our current world and chosen to stand resolute in fueling the mission of this wonderful Church, and we are poised to be in great shape moving into 2023.

As of Friday, November 11, 2022, we are delighted to report that the Church has received 249 pledges for a grand monetary total of $1,168,530, a 13% increase over last year's total reported pledges at this week by week stage of the Campaign. And, that is an average of nearly $4,700 per pledging unit, an 11% increase from last year's average. Of course, it is important to remember that total pledged amounts and averages are fluid and depend on the dates and final pledging units reported, respectively. These significant increases still serve, however, as strong evidence of your steadfast commitment to St. James and all that it does, as well as your faithful investment in all that it still can do.

For those of you who have pledged so far, we cannot thank you enough. Those pledges are fueling a giving pace that outstrips the Campaigns of years past, giving us so much hope for furthering the mission of the Church. Saying that you have answered the call would be an understatement. For those of you who have not yet had an opportunity to pledge, there is still time. Even though the returns on this Campaign have been amazing to date, the Church still needs your support. We are so close to reaching a level of contribution that would truly throw off some of the shackles that the Church has struggled with in years past, so please do help us get there!

A quick note on pledges as compared to other types of gifts. Submitting a pledge as a part of the Campaign gives the Vestry and the Finance Committee the tools they need to accurately and responsibly plan for the future, both with next year's budget and beyond. Unpledged gifts and plate offerings are by no means unwelcome, but pledges do have a special, elevated place in the world of contributions because of their utility in the financial management of the Church. For that reason, please do consider submitting your pledge if you have not already.

We do not make this final request for your pledge lightly. We know the world is an uncertain place and that there are many important demands on all of our resources. If you are unsure of how pledging fits into your Parish life or have questions about anything related to Stewardship, from allocation and management of the resources to the way that pledging informs our future mission to anything else, please do reach out to us. We are eager to have those conversations with you!

With grateful hearts,

Your 2023 Stewardship Committee