On the momentous occasion of St. Paul’s 300th anniversary, the Vestry has endorsed a capital fund drive and the creation of a team to lead the campaign. A dedicated, talented group has committed to undertake this important and challenging work, and we will be communicating with you regularly throughout the coming months. Together with committee co-chairs Elmer Shippee and Paul Wilson, both long-time stewards of our Church’s rich history and tradition, the committee hopes to guide the Parish to securing a healthy future for St. Paul’s. I want to take this opportunity to present our goal and mission and to share some key decisions made by the church leadership that impact this campaign.
“Remember! Rejoice! Renew!” is the theme you will see and hear in the next few months. We believe it reflects what we are about in simple, eloquent terms. By remembering the work of generations past, we honor them; by rejoicing in our own life at this moment in time, we give thanks; and by renewing our commitment to Christ, we can ensure the future of St. Paul’s Church. I invite you to consider these three words. Bring them into your own heart and see where they lead you.
The goal of the capital team is to raise enough funds to meet the immediate structural, health and safety needs of the church, and to build our endowment significantly. Necessary projects are already underway, the kitchen renovation being one example. In the coming months, a more detailed list of both immediate and future projects will be made available to you. You will be able to see your pledge dollars at work in very concrete ways! Building the endowment enables us to keep our property in good repair, and will also provide significant funds to do the work of Christ through mission and outreach. Our work with the Vestry has indicated a financial goal of 1 million dollars to be collected in gifts and pledges over the next three years. This financial goal will enable us to build a secure and healthy future for St. Paul’s, with God’s blessing, for the next 300 years!
As stewards of God’s resources, we must constantly evaluate the gifts entrusted to us and be sure we are using them wisely. Reallocating energy or resources when required is both responsible and proactive. Christ teaches us in John 15: 1-2, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” Sometimes it becomes necessary to prune one’s plant or garden to facilitate its overall health. To this end, the Vestry has approved the sale of the Curate’s cottage. The proceeds from this sale will be allocated to the Capital Campaign and will become part of the endowment fund. Members of the Vestry will be available to discuss this decision with you.
As the Capital Campaign becomes more active, members of the Capital Committee team will be going out into this community to gather gifts and pledges. We look forward to hearing your voices. We look forward to creating a shared vision for St. Paul’s future. We look forward to leaving St. Paul’s strong and healthy, able to continue Christ’s work in our community for generations to come.
Peace,Tabitha Jorgensen
Capital Campaign Co-Chair