A Word from the Senior Warden

Julie LoweWe Love to Tell the Story... Over the past several weeks, you have read and heard the stories of your fellow parishioners here at Good Shepherd about why they are blessed to be part of this spiritual family.  And you have been asked to make a commitment to the mission and ministry of Good Shepherd for 2010 by making a financial pledge to church operations.  I hope and pray that you feel as much a part of the Good Shepherd family as the people who have presented these heartfelt messages and will show that commitment by pledging to Annual Giving in 2010.

As of today, pledges have been received from 147 parishioners for a total of $483,951.  Our goal for 2010 is a 10% increase in annual giving over this year which would equate to pledge commitments from 252 members for a total of about $725,000.  We are truly blessed to have received 25 new pledges so far, and 67 people have pledged to increase their giving next year.  If you are one of those who haven't yet submitted their commitment letter, now is the time.  It is your best guess of what you plan to give in the coming 12 months.  It can be adjusted up or down if need be.  No pledge is too small (or too large!)  We have parishioners who commit to give $1 per week on up to those who pledge well into five figures for the year.  The amount you pledge is between you and God, but that you pledge is a statement of your faith and discipleship.  Your clergy and lay leadership have all made their commitments, increasing their pledges for next year if possible.  But we need everyone's help.  The only way we can effectively plan for the mission and ministry of Good Shepherd is to have some idea of what revenues to expect next year.  Things are probably going to continue to be tight next year, and we want to be able to manage our resources responsibly and effectively.

Thank you to everyone who has already made a commitment for 2010.  And thank you to everyone else who is going to do that now.

Faithfully,

Julie S. Lowe, Senior Warden