TLDR: We are exactly forty pledges short of where we were last year. We have seen increased engagement and healthy attendance, but have a decent pledge deficit to make up before the Annual Meeting. Read on for more.
This has been a difficult year end for many of us. There is a lot of uncertainty about the new president’s policies, how the stock market will react to tariffs, what mass expulsion of the undocumented will do to housing and farming, etc. I know of some who have taken a conservative approach to wait and see before committing to large purchases or charitable giving. I understand these sentiments, but the church cannot take the luxury of waiting on the payment of bills. It takes approximately $100k per month to run the church. This includes staff, insurance, utilities, all of our ministries, etc. Of this 1.2 million dollar budget, the pledges account for about $1 million dollars. The rest is holiday gifts, special donations, and grants from the Diocese for various ministries. As of today, we are about $130k short of our pledged budget of $1 million, or 40 pledges.
It is said that Episcopalians show their dissatisfaction through the check book, so it surprised me to hear that our current pledge count isn’t as high as this time in 2024. I have heard reports of such energy and excitement from so many of you over the last few months, and seen increased engagement from newer families who are feeling ready to take the next step in their participation in the life of the church. This would lead me to believe the pledges would follow, so I don’t have a way to explain this. I hope I am not missing anything. Perhaps it is just a case of busy life, and this piece of paper is just one more thing to do? Or perhaps there is something happening at your home that Steve and I need to know, so we may be a support to you? Whatever the case may be, please let us know. Saint Dunstan's has been very blessed to have a healthy, stable, and ministry-oriented budget for many years. Many churches are struggling, but we keep growing. I know we can make it up, but if we remained at the current deficit of $130k, this would force us to look at all our programs to see where we could make cuts. This would be a shame at a time when we have experienced definite growth and momentum in our services.
We could make up a 130k deficit in several ways: 1. Those who have not pledged, please do so now. 2. Those who already pledged, but feel there is additional capacity in your home’s finances, can still increase your contribution, by contacting Manette Maddox. 3. Those who can make a one additional contribution can designate your donation as “deficit assistance.” I like all of these options, but the first is my favorite. I know God will bless us this year. I encourage all to be people of faith. God is in charge and Christ will lead us into the future he has set aside for us to walk into. Please have faith and have courage. Remember that how you choose to spend your money tells a great deal about where your heart is, or as Jesus once said, where your fortune is, there is your heart. May the Lord of the abundant harvest continue to bless you!
Fr. Roman+
