For the last five years, we’ve chosen as a congregation to pursue renewal. To pursue growth in faith, growth in numbers, and growth in finances. We’ve seen successes, failures, and setbacks in all of these areas. Finances remain a significant challenge for our congregation.  Last May, the Vestry with wide input from the congregation and a special task force took a hard look at our situation. The options of making significant cuts, moving to a part-time or shared rector, and other options were considered.

Also in May, the Vestry approved an objectives document with the view that it is in the best interest of the church, the most faithful option at this time, to continue for an intentional two-year period to move forward with the goal of renewal. The document outlines specific and measurable goals in order to see our church thrive and expand. At this time, investing in renewal seems more likely to result in growth and a future for St. John’s than making drastic cuts, which might result in the church growing smaller and possibly not being able to continue.

 As pointed out by Ally Goerdt, our treasurer, in a recent Messenger, we have a goal of increasing revenue by$10,000 by the end of the year. $7,150 has been raised so far and most of this has happened through congregational giving with about 20 families increasing their giving mid-year. We are extremely thankful for this.

 Once again, October is stewardship month. We thank you for the pledge you may have made for 2022. If you have given in 2022, a statement through September 30 will be available in the back of church on October 16. This statement will help you plan for 2023. We ask you to prayerfully consider your pledge for 2023. Please give for the immediate future of St. John’s. Let’s keep running the race. Thanks to you and others, families have given $98,432 to St. John’s through their pledge and plate offerings. This year we have a pledge goal of $100,000 for 2023 and goal to have 3 families who have not pledged last year to make a pledge this year. This pledge goal will help towards a total revenue goal of $182,000 for 2023.

 We’re asking you to make a generous pledge to St. John’s for the year 2023. If you have been blessed financially this year, please consider increasing your pledge to St. John’s. For your family perhaps that means moving an increase of 5%, maybe less, as you work toward the goal of giving a tithe, 10% of one’s income. Pray, ponder, and choose the approach that seems right to you.

 If the year has been challenging for you financially, please consider renewing your pledge for the same amount as last year. We ask that you make your pledge by Tuesday, October 25, as we will celebrate the pledges received on Sunday, October 30. We have enclosed a pledge card and other tools to help you prayerfully consider your pledge as part of your commitment to God and God’s people at St. John’s.

 Susan Meyers, our Director of Development and Stewardship, is coordinating this month’s activities. Please feel free to reach out to us, Ally, or to Susan with any feedback or questions you may have.

With gratitude for your generosity,

Make a Pledge

Pledge month

How to Fulfill Your Pledge