Every Sunday we bear witness to the extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary: more than 200 distinct people uniting around God’s table in our historic sanctuary. Our congregation spans generations, backgrounds, and ideologies. All are welcome, united by God’s grace through worship and service since 1794.
As we launch our annual stewardship campaign during this season of national transition, we are reminded that our humble church has been here as long as the Capitol building itself, and generations have come together here to pray for our nation and one another. In today’s divisive world, Christ Church is an utterly unique place where we can set aside our differences to unite around God’s table, lean into the spiritual values we share, and become better versions of ourselves.
This special place gives so much to our families. At the center of our hectic city, this place of calm not only strengthens us on our spiritual journeys, but provides countless ways to model fellowship, service, and personal growth for our children. These gifts are not self-sustaining, however. We have to invest in our community so it can continue to serve us while growing to serve others.
The Gospel of Luke reminds us that, to whom much has been given, much is required. As we further our mission to draw more people closer to God, our church has grown, and thus the responsibility to meet parishioners where they are has also increased. To facilitate programming, maintain our historic church buildings, and support our terrific clergy and staff, we all have a responsibility to help meet the financial needs of our parish.
Our 2025 stewardship goals are $635,000 committed, and 170 households pledging. While there will be a program-specific fundraiser in the Spring, this stewardship campaign is the primary financial request you will receive in the coming year. Will you join us in making your pledge today? Because our expenses continue to grow as our community does, we also humbly ask you to consider increasing your pledge to help cover those who cannot do the same. We have included suggested increases on the back of this letter.
Now is a great time to reflect upon what Christ Church means to you, the impact it has on your spiritual journey, and how fortunate we are to be a part of such a vibrant and welcoming community. Please join our investment by submitting your pledge by Sunday, October 27.
With deep appreciation,
Charles Cooper & Stuart Hall
Stewardship Co-Chairs and Members of the Vestry
As we look toward the growth needed to sustain our bursting church, would you consider increasing your investment in our mission for 2025?
FAQ’s about pledging & giving
Why pledge? Can’t I just put money in the plate on Sunday?
A pledge is simply an estimate of anticipated giving in the coming year. From a spiritual perspective, pledging asks us to reflect and intentionally align our financial resources in service to God’s work in the world. On the practical side, pledging helps the church to budget responsibly.
How do I pledge?
There are several ways to pledge. The easiest way to pledge is to do so online here, after which you can also set up a recurring gift by clicking the checkbox under “Before you go…” on the confirmation screen. If you need any help with online pledging or giving, feel free to reach out to Jordan. You may also send in a pledge card or drop it in the offering plate on Sunday. Please submit your pledge by Sunday, October 29.
How much should I pledge?
The amount you give should be prayerfully considered and based on your financial realities. Please remember that a pledge is really an estimate of giving – if life circumstances change, you can change your pledge at any time. And truly, no pledge or gift is too small to make an impact! Here is a bit more information that may help you choose your level of commitment for 2024.
I already have a scheduled gift in the system. Will it automatically continue in 2025 or be updated with the amount of my new pledge?
Unfortunately, no. But, once you submit your pledge, you will see a confirmation screen. Under the words “Before you go…” you will see a checkbox that offers the option to immediately add a gift that you can schedule beginning in January 2025. You can also always log into Realm and set up a new gift. Instructions on how to do that, and more details about making or scheduling your pledge fulfillment gift can be found here.
What is the best way to give to fulfill my pledge?
Many congregants set up their automatic giving through our secure database. See additional details about giving options here. If you prefer, you may also give through the use of weekly pledge envelopes which can be dropped in the offering plate. You will be sent quarterly updates during the year to see your cumulative total against your pledged amount.
Does the church budgeting process really rely on my pledge?
Yes. Pledges are an intended commitment to give a certain amount over the course of the year, and these commitments enable the church to devise an annual budget with some level of certainty. Our church family is growing, and an increased budget would allow us to expand programming, increase outreach opportunities, and create more opportunities for fellowship among members.
How does the church spend its money?
That’s a great question. Next year’s budget is released at the start of the year based on stewardship season outcome and end-of-year numbers. Our finance committee and Vestry oversee our spending, and we as a church strive to be good stewards of the resources we’ve been given. We offer a full report on the previous year’s finances at our annual meeting, and in our annual reports, in February of each year.