Dear Friends:

Well, it’s that time again. Leaves are turning, there’s a snap in the air, there’s pumpkins and apple cider. It’s that season. And yes, it’s also Stewardship season. More specifically, it’s Pledge season.

Soon you will be receiving a Pledge card. And as you fill it out, think about just how much St. Thomas’ means to you.

Think about all the opportunities we have to worship God and serve our church community. Things like multiple weekend worship services either in person or on line, children’s Sunday School, adult formation, Kitchen of Hope, campus ministries, and a host of other fellowship and service opportunities.

It’s all part of how we honor God. And that is why we are all here.

Think of our buildings and grounds. They don’t just take care of themselves. We at St.
Thomas’ take pride in caring for our campus and our buildings. The vast majority of these
efforts we do with in house volunteer labor. But materials and some outside contracts are also needed, and they cost money.

And then think about clergy. We are currently in a transition period as we search for a new
rector. But also consider that there are at lease 3 other parishes in our immediate area who are in the search for a new rector. Clergy related expenses include salary, Social Security offset, life insurance, health insurance, dental insurance, continuing education, pension, professional, and other expenses. Offering an attractive salary and benefits package will be key to distinguishing us from the others in finding a new rector.

All of these considerations boil down to one common denominator. Pledges.

Pledging your financial support is the only way the Vestry knows how much money it can rely upon to operate the church. Other than your pledges, there is no other major source of income for the church.

We are the people of St. Thomas’. It is our responsibility to fund our church.

I ask you to reflect on that and consider just how much St. Thomas’ means to you. And I ask you to please, Pledge.

Wayne Rowbotham