My name is Joy Lynam and I am working with the Annual Giving ministry this October. Today starts St. Thomas’s Annual Giving campaign. (See YouTube version.)
What is Annual Giving?
Annual giving is when we reflect upon the gifts we have been given and the gifts we will give. It is the treasure in “time, talent and treasure.” The sharing of our financial gifts, our treasure, forms the basis of our parish budget. Our gifts enable our church to share the greater glory of God in our parish, in our community, and in the world.
What is expected of me, of each of us?
Each of us is asked to prayerfully and thankfully pledge our financial gifts to our church.
As a child, we were taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Giving makes us feel good.
It is an expression of our thankfulness.
It is putting our faith into action.
This year, I will pledge my financial gifts to give thanks for the baptisms of my grandchildren who have been baptized in this church.
I will pledge my gift to give thanks for the baptism, confirmation, and marriage of my children in our faith.
I will pledge my gift to give thanks for Episcopal Campus Ministry (ECM), which includes our college students as part of our faith family at St. Thomas’s.
And, I will pledge my financial gifts in thanksgiving for the ministries we currently offer and in faith for the opportunities to come.
Hopefully this week in the mail, you received a packet from St. Thomas’s. During the month of October, we hope you will read these materials and prayerfully consider your financial gifts to St Thomas‘s and our ministries.
During October, we are collecting our thoughts and prayers for Annual Giving on our website for our reflection and thanksgiving. Annual Giving will take financial commitments from each of us. An opportunity before us is examining how much we give and whether we can do more.
Please prayerfully determine how to give back that which has been given to you. Won’t you please pledge your gifts using our pledge card and return it by October 30, 2022? Pledges may be left in the box in the church lobby or mailed using the self-addressed, stamped envelope included in the packet you received.
Joy Lynam, Annual Giving Ministry Chair