Parish Offertory Appeal for 2026

01-18-2026Pastor's LetterVery Rev. Richard C. Wilson, VF, Pastor

Dear Members of Our Parish Family,

I greet you with gratitude and hope as we begin a new year together. Your dedication, generosity, and faith over the years have shaped our parish into the vibrant community it is today. I wish to thank each of you for your steadfast support throughout the years, especially for your contributions to our major campaigns. Because of your commitment, our church building is fully paid for, the school's new STEM center has received $7 million in pledges, and our bicentennial campaign not only met but exceeded its goal with $1.7 million pledged.

These examples are a testament to your love and devotion, and I am deeply grateful for all you have done. As we look ahead, I must share with you the importance of our Sunday offertory in sustaining the daily operations of our parish. The offertory is the lifeblood that keeps our ministries running, supports our staff, and maintains our facilities. This year, the offertory budget was set about 4.5% higher than last year to account for rising costs. Despite your continued generosity, we find ourselves $123,000 below plan through December.

We are working diligently to reduce expenses wherever possible, but costs for insurance, utilities, and essential goods and services continue to rise. We need your help to ensure that our parish remains strong and able to serve all who come through our doors. Therefore, I humbly ask each of you to consider increasing your offertory giving by at least 5% for 2026. For those who donate directly from IRAs, please keep this increase in mind as you plan your charitable giving for the year ahead. (Keep in mind too, that contributions directly from your IRA to the church avoid income taxes.) Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference and helps us continue our mission.

In February, our Finance Council will meet to review the first half of the fiscal year. After this meeting, I will share a financial update with the congregation to keep you informed about our progress and stewardship. Thank you for your faithful support, your prayers, and your commitment to our parish. May God bless you and your families abundantly in the coming year. Our Lord instructed us "give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back." (Luke 6:38) We cannot outgive our Lord!

All the best in Christ,

Father Wilson