We all face challenging times. More people than ever before have “broken down” on life’s road – their journey interrupted by economic difficulties and other unprecedented circumstances. Helping agencies are overwhelmed by the growing demand for services and shrinking resources. They desperately need the money they receive from Episcopal Charities to help maintain their programs.
St. Paul’s challenge goal for 2010 is to raise $41,768 -- a goal that will surely require EVERYONE’s participation and generosity to meet. Last year, 182 households from St. Paul’s raised $39,732 for Episcopal Charities, leading all parishes in our diocese in contributing its share of the $458,274 in grants to 111 agencies throughout Rhode Island. As God has blessed us so abundantly, we are called to help others in carrying their burdens, in sorrows, illnesses – one at a time. Our parish has also demonstrated generosity and compassion through our gifts of Christmas baskets to over 100 of our local neighbors, and nearly $4500 in donations designated for support of Haitian earthquake relief efforts. These are all shining examples of St Paul’s community loving our neighbor – love in action, responding to needs both near and far.
In faith, and by God’s grace as you are able, please consider an increase in your pledge. And if you have not contributed to Episcopal Charities before, your support is needed more than ever! Every gift counts, no matter how large or small. Your gift -- combined together with the next, and the next, and the next – will make a difference!
In support of the 2010 Episcopal Charities Fund Campaign we ask that you:
Think of the many whose burdens are much heavier than our own, who struggle daily through the shadows and vulnerable edges of life. Please give generously so that the agencies that need our support, and the thousands of people they serve, will be helped along the road with the hope of a brighter tomorrow. By sharing our blessings, we can all be a part of that reality!
Faithfully,
