Hello Parishioners! When we set out to do a capital campaign, we felt that the singlemost important thing it could accomplish--even more than raising money to repair our properties--was to build community. Having sat down now with dozens of parishioners, sometimes at church, oftentimes in your homes, and almost always alongside another campaign visitor, this aspect of our work has been incredibly rewarding.

I've heard people say they don't know what this area would have been to them without St. James. Many have found lifelong friendships here. Others have buried parents here, or bought their own plots in our graveyard because their children said this would be place they would want to visit. Some people I've spoken with are fairly new to St. James and to the process of giving to their parish. Others remember how their parents served in their childhood churches, faithfully giving when called upon. 

I've heard difficult stories, of financial duress, of prior commitments to aging parents and struggling children. I think of the seasons of life we can't always predict, and am reminded that, whenever life is stable enough and we are able to give, we should seize the opportunity. 

Because giving is that--an opportunity. It's an outward expression of our commitment to one another, and to our faith. 

I'm grateful for every person who has sat down with me, and I know the other campaign visitors feel the same. In the end, what we'll remember most are those encounters, which are really the whole point of keeping these buildings and our campus going, now and for future generations. 

A home visit? "I was a little worried and a little skeptical of what that was all about" she says, but continues: "But we had a lovely conversation and quite a few laughs." Kathy Formisano tells of her journey to St. James and what prompted her and her husband Mark to give to the Capital Campaign.

A special thanks to all our confirmand sponsors, teachers and everyone who helped with this weekend's confirmation ceremony.  It was a wonderful day celebrating one of our biggest classes yet, and it is so fulfilling to see our parish growing and thriving!

Speaking of thriving, we have 3 more weeks until we announce the capital campaign contributions thus far including all of the donors.  So if you haven't sent your card in - or if you haven't been visited - time is of the essence to be part of the big announcement! 

We will be announcing the contributions to date at the May 5th service to celebrate this milestone and to thank all of the donors to date.  Over these next few weeks, the committee is hustling to reach out to everyone who hasn't been visited yet to share the exciting news of improvements to sustain St James for the next 100 years.  

If you haven't been contacted, please let us know by responding to this email or signing up at the visitor link below. We hope you can be a part of the exciting announcement for May!

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.

On May 5 we'll announce our dollar amount raised, and then begin the work of mapping out what projects we can do and in what order. What we can accomplish depends on how much we raise. See the co-chair message in last week's email for the next threshhold, and what reaching it would mean for our goals. Keep the momentum going! 

Have you received a visit but have yet to pledge? 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).

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.