Stewardship 2024: People, Place, & Programs

PLEDGE NOW

We, your St. James Stewardship Committee, are thrilled to announce the Parish's 2024 Pledge Drive, which begins today, Sunday, September 24th and concludes in celebration on November 12th. Last year, the Stewardship Committee asked you to help the Church seize the opportunity to fuel the forward momentum, and build for the future. Your response was absolutely incredible, with record levels of funding pledged in support of 2023. Let us pause there and say thank you for helping achieve this record in such an uncertain time and for your support of the daily life of St. James.

This has been an inspiring year of renewal and reinvigoration for St. James. Each passing year sees us growing as a Parish family, in numbers, energy, and spirit, and 2023 was among the most exceptional. Many things went into that progress, and we would be remiss if we did not give due credit to the practical and spiritual leadership of our wonderful Clergy, the countless hours volunteered by the Parish members and the deep, positive impact of our devoted staff. Our growth and momentum truly are palpable.

In the year ahead, the Clergy and Vestry have made a commitment to invest further in the St. James community. Specifically, the people who make up our community, including life-long members and the visitors that we welcome each week; the place where we gather to worship on Sundays and around which we anchor our time together; the programs that bring us together, offering us opportunities to gather and grow as a faith community.

Such investments also include the resources to support the people, place and programs of St. James and this is the season when we ask one another to prayerfully consider making a pledge to support the work of our Parish. Money is an inherently uncomfortable topic to discuss, no matter how one approaches it. Even the word evokes a veritable collage of emotions, from stress and anxiety about how to earn and apply it to our obligations, to worry about how to teach our children about it, to pity and empathy for the unequal distribution of it in our society. Asking you to pledge your money to the Church is no exception to this rule of discomfort. But it is an incredibly important ask, one that goes to the very heart of our purpose here at St. James as we welcome all to grow in love of God and neighbor.

We are excited to shepherd this year’s Pledge Drive and do not take our appeal to you lightly. Please know that participation is meaningful no matter the level; there is simply no gift too small. What is important is that we each contribute from our hearts and in a way that is manageable for you and your family. Do also remember that a pledge is not a debt, it is just a promise, made in the moment it is submitted. We all experience a change in circumstances from time to time and if you have pledged and circumstances change, we understand that there may be a need to revisit or even amend that pledge in the future. Please do not be shy about reaching out with your questions. We want to hear from you and we look forward to receiving your pledge for 2024.

In closing, let us end where we began, with thanks for all you do for St. James Parish. Your support is crucial to the fabric of our community and we are grateful for your consideration today of your financial support.

Thank you,

Your Stewardship Committee