The Capital Campaign is well underway and is going strong. It is hard to believe that we are in the 10th week of this campaign.  Even more surprising is that we have only 3 weeks left until the conclusion of the main campaign phase.  This doesn't mean the campaign is over, but rather that on May 5th we will assess how much has been pledged and determine which projects we can afford to undertake.   

What is very exciting is that we have raised nearly $2 Million.  If we can raise an additional $200,000, we can complete our top three priorities, $250,000 beyond that we get the top four, and $350,000 above that we can achieve the top five priorities resulting in a major renovation of our entire campus. Something that hasn't happened since the "Cloister" was added in 1952 along with the walkway and 3-story office building, which includes the nursery school.  

The success of the Campaign is dependent on everyone's participation. To that end, if you haven't been contacted for a visit, please contact us about scheduling a visit. 

To quote the American World War II wartime poster produced by J. Howard Miller in 1943 for Westinghouse Electric, "We Can Do It!"

"The project is responsible and not at all extravagant." Parishioner Monica Sganga talks about coming to St. James from another tradition and all she's found here--fellowship, intellectual companionship, support, and a beautiful historic campus that needs our care!

Having trouble connecting with a visitor or haven't yet been contacted? Please let us know! You can also schedule your own visit, even selecting (if you wish) who 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.

Have you received a visit but have yet to pledge? You could be the person to push us past the next big milestone :) We have just three weeks left. You can send your pledge card to the office, put it in the plate, or ask your visitor to come pick it up. You can also pledge via the QR Code provided in the book you received at your visit. Remember, pledges come in all sizes and shapes. We're thankful for every pledge, whether it's $5000.00 or $50,000+ (and remember, gifts are typically given over a 3 to 5-year period). Schedule a visit below, and/or with the visitor who reached out to you. Look for our progress every week in this email and see the difference each and every one of us makes to this campaign.

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.

How does the pledge work?

We recognize that everyone’s circumstances are different. The beauty of the pledge is that it is customized to your specific ability. Some people choose to make a fixed donation each month, quarter, or annually for the entire 3-5 years, while others have given stock. Depending on your specific financial circumstances, the timing of your gift (either cash or stock) can have tax advantages.

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.

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