Let’s look at those numbers this way: as of the first week
in December, our combined pledge and plate income was $163,000. For 49 weeks in
the year, what we gave averaged $3,326 a week. These totals do NOT include the
extraordinary generosity of special offerings, such as the United Thank Offering,
the fundraiser for the Garang family, what we do for the Samaritan Center, the
Giving Tree, or the Springfield Gardens Food Pantry.
Those numbers also mean this: we budgeted, and still have, a
deficit for 2012, meaning we will have to dip, once again, into the money set
aside for clergy housing. It also means that, while those of us who do not
pledge are very generous over the course of the year, it is helpful to know, at
the start of the year, what we can count on from each other. As we fund our
common mission – not just our own spiritual nurture but what we give away – we know
we can do a better job if we can plan ahead. Some people do worry that they may
not be able to complete the financial commitment they make to this parish. Our
experience shows that even if the amount we promise is modest, it is always
possible to add more. We each count on the prayerful commitment of all of us,
as we do the work God is calling us to do in this place.
We asked 90 individuals and families to make a pledge this
year; so far 51 have responded totaling $125,000 in commitments, including some
pledges from people who have not been able to make that commitment before. The
average pledge is $2,450. Pledges will be gratefully received at any time, and
we hope you will be able to make a prayerful and thoughtful commitment, if you have
not already. Thank you, for all you do, to make St. David’s a vital and vibrant
place.
