Stewardship Letter
As Fall begins, our thoughts at St. Anselm’s turn towards the annual goal of stewardship and what it means to us all. Meeting or even exceeding the demands of next year’s budget encourages us to face these challenges as we prepare our gifts of today and for the future.
As always, we address the operation of the parish in every aspect, staff salaries, utility bills, insurance maintenance, work of our Commissions, costs of online services, increase of our choir/music program, parish growth in families, and any other expenses funded by us, the Congregation.
This year our Vestry has provided some specific goals in our strategic plan of 2027/28 and beyond. Goal One objective to be met is to increase engagement in parish and community life. Goal Two’s objective is to increase accessibility and visibility of the Church and Goal Three is to welcome and attract new members.
During our campaign, we will have three teams of fellow parishioners present their experiences and address one of these goals as we prepare for Ingathering Sunday when we present our pledge cards that reflect our commitment to St. Anselm’s.
What we give today expands, in that it becomes an inheritance to those who will come after us, just as the gifts from past parishioners has helped us grow as we worship together today. That is the beauty of Stewardship as it enriches us beyond all expectation. Please keep this in mind as you prepare your pledge.
This year’s motto that we feel expresses our mutual needs and challenges is FUNDING OUR VISION. The Financial Committee has presented a specific monetary goal of $330,000 an increase of 23% from last years pledge total. The reason for this is threefold, we expect a decrease in interest revenue with an increase in our diocesan assessment, and an increase in both operational and discretionary spending due to our strategic vision, but also the hope to invest more in outreach and resume setting aside for maintenance reserves. If you are ready to make you pledge and wish to do so online, click here.
I thank you all for your time and careful consideration in budgeting the best you are able to help us grow even stronger in 2027 and into 2028 and beyond.
Katie Taggart, Stewardship Chair
Julie Rinkenberger, Keith Pearce, John Powers, Stewardship Committee
What we give today expands, in that it becomes an inheritance to those who will come after us, just as the gifts from past parishioners has helped us grow as we worship together today.