On Sunday, October 22 we kicked off our pledge drive for 2018 in truly amazing Grace style with a wonderful feast, a lovely celebration, and the world premiere of Stewardship the Musical: The Sequel! The undercroft was filled with Grace folks ranging in age from two to (almost) ninety-two. Our blessings overflowed! As did our thanks and our praise. And so it is in this spirit that we look forward to another year of being Grace and that we launch our pledge drive to support the mission and ministry of this congregation.
It is the annual Operating Budget of the church that supports this mission and ministry. The Operating Budget is funded almost entirely through the pledges of members and friends of Grace. This year our pledge goal is $394,000. This goal represents a 5% increase over 2017 due to increases in the areas of Diocesan apportionment, staff costs, and the care and maintenance of our facilities. As parish leaders, we continue to support the kind of growth that leads to vibrant, sustainable ministries and good care of the people, sanctuary, outreach, buildings, and grounds that are Grace Church.
We believe that with God’s help and yours, this goal is well within our reach. We ask that those who can increase their pledge, consider what more they can give. We ask households who have not yet pledged to Grace Church to offer a pledge for 2018. We look forward to hearing from all of Grace and are again, grateful. To date our pledge total is $98,720!
Pledge cards are available in the pews and the Commons and were mailed to homes following Oktoberfest. We ask that pledges are submitted by December 3, the first Sunday of Advent. You can mail your pledge card or place it in the offertory plate on a Sunday morning. The Vestry and Rector are available throughout the drive to answer any questions you might have. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be raising the sails on the Steward-Ship in the Commons (cue the music) as we move toward our goal!