On the first Sunday of March, and third Sunday in Lent, it was great to see the youth choir (now known as the choristers) singing with the adult choir.  This intergenerational mix is so true to St James and its inclusiveness and joyful values.

The recent Annual Appeal + Capital Campaign visits have this same principle of inclusion and joy - visitors and those being visited are often from different generations and sometimes meeting for the first time, or meeting in a more meaningful way.  I've really enjoyed these visits as they have given me a chance to get to know folks better.

If you get an email or a phone call from anyone on the committee, know that the visitor on the other end of the email or phone is looking forward to meeting with you - it's an enjoyable moment in time and one that connects us further to one another as a parish. 

It's a low pressure, high touch situation - so have no fear!

Parishioner Alice Herman tells us about her Capital Campaign visit (not scary!) and why she was inspired to give more than the suggested (and remember it's just that--suggested) amount. Remember to read the FAQs below, which will put you at ease about the process and sitting down with someone. Thank you, Alice, and to all those who've made your contribution to this very important cause. 

Why am I being visited? Is that really necessary?
Absolutely. The goal of the Capital Campaign is to visit 100% of the member households to inform you about this effort and to answer any questions you may have. It is important that every household participates in this campaign for it to be successful. Everyone counts.

Will I be asked to give a specific amount?
No. You may be asked to consider a gift at a specific level, but this is a personal and thoughtful decision to be made by you and you alone. While the foundation of our campaign is “Sacrificial Giving”, there is no requirement to contribute to the campaign. No one who visits you, nor any members of the vestry or capital campaign will know what you give. Only our staff finance director and Mo. Storm will know what was pledged.

Is this part of my annual pledge?
No. While we are running both campaigns at the same time, there are two separate and distinct campaigns. We need your annual pledge to keep the lights on and the staff paid. The annual pledge is just that, an annual pledge. The capital campaign is a multi-year campaign that you contribute to over a period decided by you. However, both are being discussed during this visit. While they are independent pledges, they are intertwined with the health and future of St. James the Less.

Why do I have to have a visit now?
The period for pledging is from now until May 4, 2024. On May 5th , we will announce the amount pledged towards the capital campaign and determine which projects we will undertake. If we do not raise the full $4MM, lower priority projects will be tabled for another day. In short, without everyone’s commitments, we cannot plan, nor can we determine which projects we can embark on. The sooner members pledge and start contributing, the sooner we can start all these exciting projects.

What should I expect when I am visited?
You can expect a friendly, informal conversation about what St. James means to you and the person visiting you. It is a lovely, personal experience. Everyone who has been visited walks away knowing a little bit more about a fellow parishioner and St. James.

Does it have to be at my home? Can I choose who visits me?
No. You can select any location you please. Some enjoy making it a social occasion and meet at a restaurant. Others meet in the Isom Room. And others have invited the visitors over for wine and cheese. There is no wrong answer. And yes, absolutely you can choose who visits you. This is an important decision, and it is critical that you feel comfortable.

Help us over the next $100,000.00 mark! Schedule a visit below, and/or with the visitor who reached out to you. Look for our progress every week in this email and also in the Sunday bulletin throughout March and April. 

You can schedule your own visit, and even (if you like) select the parishioner you'd like to have come visit you. Visits are the heart of this campaign--and people often say, the best part! We hope to see you soon.

Choose from a variety of roles, from visiting, to serving on the project team once work begins.