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

Dear Friends,

St. Thomas’ isn’t just where we go on Sundays—it’s where we feel grounded, connected, and part of something bigger.  It’s a reflection of our shared faith, our gratitude for God’s blessings, and our commitment to one another.  That’s why we support our stewardship campaign—because we want to help keep St. Thomas’ traditions alive.

Stewardship begins with the understanding that everything we have—our time, talent, and treasure—is a gift from God.  Whether we give financially, volunteer our time, or offer our skills, we are participating in a spiritual practice that strengthens our connection to God and to each other.

St. Thomas’ is our place of welcome and worship, but it’s also a hub of outreach, education, and care. Our stewardship directly supports ministries that serve the local community, including food give aways, youth programs, and events that celebrate the richness of our congregation. It funds pastoral care, music and liturgy, and the upkeep of our campus—ensuring that our doors remain open to all who seek comfort, inspiration, or belonging.

Stewardship isn’t just about money. It’s about giving back to the church that gives so much to us. Whether it’s the warmth of a welcome, the comfort of prayer, or the joy of seeing our kids grow in faith.  St. Thomas’ is a spiritual home.  Supporting the campaign means making sure those blessings continue—not just for us, but for everyone who walks through our doors.  But more than that, it’s a way of saying, “I believe in this church. I want to be part of its future.”

Just as stewardship helps sustain our ministries and spiritual life, it also plays a practical role in keeping our church running smoothly. When we fill out a pledge card, we’re not just making a financial commitment—we’re helping the Vestry plan wisely for the year ahead. These pledges give a clearer picture of what resources are available, allowing thoughtful decisions about programs, staffing, and maintenance. In recent years, our expenses have outpaced our giving, which makes planning even more challenging. If you’re able, we ask you to prayerfully consider increasing your pledge this year—not out of obligation, but out of love for the church we all call home.

Ultimately, supporting the stewardship campaign at St. Thomas’ is an act of faith. It’s trusting that our contributions—large or small—will be used wisely to build a church that welcomes, heals, teaches, and inspires. It’s a way of saying yes to God’s call and yes to the community we cherish.

So, when the campaign comes around, please don’t just see a pledge card—see an invitation. To be generous. To be grateful. To be part of something sacred.  

Faithfully Yours,
Carl & Linda Kinsley

P.S.   “Go Birds”