Dear All Saints’ Parishioners and Friends
A letter from Heidi Gilmore, 2011 Stewardship Chair.
This letter comes to you as we begin our 2011 stewardship pledge request. In preparing for the Stewardship drive months ago, I contemplated on God's will for me, as well as for our parish. I talked to some of you, to the Finance Committee, and to our Vestry to help discern God's will for the Stewardship drive. Many parishioners have asked me, what is a pledge and what does it pay for with regard to church expenses. In response to these questions, I discussed with the Vestry and with our church Treasurer the need to provide information to you this year on church expenses and how the pledges apply to those expenses. That information was prepared by the Treasurer and is provided below.
So as you reflect on your pledge amount, we hope that the information supplied in this letter will help you make an informed decision. In analyzing where our annual pledges have been historically, in comparison with our current church expenses, I ask you to consider whether you are able to increase your pledge by a small amount. Would $25, $50 or even $100 be a pledge increase you could consider? We know that not all parishioners are the same and we appreciate the small and large pledges because we all have different income levels.
I have reflected on Proverbs 19:17, Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:10 and 2 Cor. 9:7, seeking guidance for stewardship. Some discernment I received was to start where you are. If you have given financially before or have never given financially, I ask you to start where you are today. Giving is a spiritual principle; 2 Cor. 9:7 guided me with these words: "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." For now I ask that you consider your financial giving and return a pledge card by mail or by placing it in the collection plate in church so that we can complete our Parish Budget for 2011. If you need further information or would like to discuss this request, I am available to talk to you. Thank you for your continued generosity!
In faithful service,
Heidi Gilmore, Stewardship Chair
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