2012 Pledge Drive

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This has been a glorious year to be a member of St. Luke’s!  In 2011, we increased our charity by raising funds for local food banks, donating goods to soldiers and students, and aiding the Episcopal Church in Haiti.  We attracted new members through “Bring a Friend to Church” dinners and a new church website.  We added new opportunities for prayer with Lenten services and this fall’s Taizé services.  We repaired our historic structures and maintained our staff of dedicated professionals.  

Our church’s members have made all of these feats possible.  As Senior Warden for the past year, I have been made acutely aware of the challenges that face a small church in a struggling region.  St. Luke’s does not have a large endowment nor does it have a string of wealthy donors.  Nevertheless, our expenses are not inconsiderable.   The budget for St. Luke’s in 2011 is $189,326 and the Vestry expects this amount to rise in 2012 to account for normal inflation.

The entire budget is used to fund a beautiful worship service, encourage fellowship, and maintain a presence within the community.  Specifically, the Vestry apportions the budget in the following ways:

• 50% Rector, Music Director, Education Director, Office Staff, and Sexton
• 25% Utilities, Insurance, and Maintenance of the Church Buildings
• 15% Worship Costs (Music and Candles), Events, and Office Expenses
• 10% the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan to aid Charities and Fellow Churches

The Vestry knows that these are not bountiful times and it has been very careful with the church’s finances.  This year, we cut costs by finding a new insurance carrier, and increased revenue by leasing unused office space, hosting two bazaars, and parking cars during Ypsilanti Heritage Festival. 

Yet such actions are minor compared to the faithful commitment of St. Luke’s members.  Once again this year, 90% of our annual operating expenses came from the generous donations of our members. 

In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul tells us that “there are many members, yet one body” (12:20).  It is by being members that we are the Body of Christ.

I invite you to reflect on what it means to be a member of St. Luke’s.  For me, it means attending Sunday services, serving on the Vestry, and sharing in the fellowship of my parish family.  It also means making a financial commitment to help support the church and honoring that pledge through regular payments.  I know that it is through my work and donations that I am a member.  We each must do the work we are called to do and contribute what we can afford, because, in the words of St. Paul: “there are varieties of services, but the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:5).

At St. Luke’s, all are welcome, really!  You do not have to be a formal member to join the choir, participate in Sunday school, attend a class or event, receive communion, request pastoral care for yourself or others, or invite others to church.  However, the church cannot function unless individuals make a commitment to sing in the choir, teach Sunday school, and lead Bible study.  It also cannot exist without income to pay the bills.  Membership means making a commitment of time and resources to promote the teachings of Christ and His presence in Ypsilanti.

This fall, the Vestry invites you to make a financial pledge for 2012 by completing the enclosed card and returning it to the church by Sunday 6 November.  Your pledge is fully tax-deductible and can be paid over 12 months, 52 weeks, or 366 days.  You can even pay online with your credit card at www.stlukesypsi.org.  All people who make pledges will receive a red grocery bag that states clearly: “I am a Member of St. Luke’s Church Ypsilanti.”  These have been provided by the Vestry to thank you for your commitment to the church and to spread the word!

Please consider what it means to be a member of St. Luke’s and how you can ensure that this body will continue to serve as a witness to the Lord.

Yours in Christ,

John G. McCurdy, Senior Warden      

Forward thinking, steeped in traditions of prayer, study, and hospitality