LETTER FROM OUR CO-CHAIRS, JIM HALLOWELL AND BARBARA PALMER
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)
Dear St. James the Less Family,
At this time of harvest and thanksgiving, we are starting our St. James the Less 2025 Annual Appeal. A successful Appeal results in a strong church, a church that spiritually feeds the souls and faith of its members, that teaches our children, and that does good works in the larger community. This year’s Annual Appeal is especially meaningful, as it continues the incredible legacy of our founding 175 years ago and allows each of us to be a part of that legacy going forward.
In recognition of our part in the history of St. James the Less and of the abundance we enjoy living in this beautiful, peaceful place, we have chosen In Thanks for God’s Blessings as our 2025 Annual Appeal theme. At this time and in this place, we are truly blessed by many good things in our lives, among them being part of the St. James the Less family. St. James the Less nourishes us in so many ways –inspirational worship; uplifting music; fellowship and mutual, loving support; a diverse, multi-generational environment for our children, steadfast service and outreach to the needy, and more.
To accomplish all of this -- to continue our historic legacy and remain a vibrant and positive force in our community – we need a strong financial foundation. And so we ask for your generous participation in our 2025 Annual Appeal. Enclosed is information explaining our budget and activities, as well as a pledge card for your promised donation. (You can also find these on our website.) If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either one of us or our wardens, Pam Heldman and Christopher Burrows.
As Mother Storm noted in her recent Appeal letter, everything we have comes from God. Supporting the church acknowledges that and reinforces the essence of our beliefs as Episcopalians and Christians.
After prayerful reflection, please commit as generously as you can to support St. James the Less, which is entrusted to our care and is such a precious part of our lives. If you occasionally give a
monetary offering, please consider committing to a pledged amount instead, to help us plan our worship and activities such as music and outreach. If you already pledge, please consider increasing your pledge by 5% or more. Be as generous as your heart allows in thanks for all that God gives us.
Peace and love,
Jim Hallowell and Barbara Palmer
2025 Annual Appeal Co-Chairs
Design by St. James Office
Annual Appeal 2025.V6 FAQs Doc in Orange Cream Vibrant Elegant Style by St. James Office
Dear Parishioners,
"What do you have that you did not receive?" That comes from Paul's Second letter to the Corinthians. It was quoted frequently by St. Augustine of Hippo, a great theologian in the early church who, like Paul, wanted his people to remember that everything we have comes from God. Everything is a gift. Everything.
For me, personally, that verse has been a lifeline. It's helped me relax and lighten my mental and emotional grip on so many things that I think are mine. It's also helped me be more generous.
Starting November 1, our parish begins our "Annual Appeal," our yearly ritual of gathering financial commitments from our parishioners for the coming fiscal year. As an Episcopal Church, we function solely on the pledges that we receive from the membership every year, and we've been at this for 175 years! Everything you enjoy at St. James--the sermons, worship services, our beautiful sanctuary, outreach projects, social gatherings, children and youth programs, Bible studies--all of this happens because the members of our parish step up each year and make a financial gift.
Next week you'll receive a letter from the co-chairs of our 2025 Appeal. You'll also receive information about our proposed budget, and a pledge card. A FAQ sheet on pledging will be included, as well, so that those who are new to our church especially can learn more about the importance of pledging in the Episcopal Church.
Once you receive and review all these materials, please reflect and pray about what you can give to support St. James. Feel free to reach out to me or the leaders of the Appeal if you have any questions. I was raised to understand that giving to the church is not only a practical matter--how else would the church run?--but also a spiritual one. I tithe 10% of my income to St. James the Less, enough to impact me constantly. Enough to have to feel the pinch, which then continually steers me back to my priorities.
You may choose to give at such levels, and some here have been for years. On the other hand, I realize there are other good causes and priorities in your lives in addition to St. James. Whatever you choose to give, we are grateful for any support toward our church life together. Every single pledge of financial support is important to God and our church.
Giving is about meeting the needs of this church we love, but it's about so much more. It's about living in a way that says, I know it's all from God to begin with. It's all God's even now.
I'm so grateful for this parish and for the untiring commitment of all of you, year in and year out. Thank you. And look for that letter in the mail next week!
In Thanks for God's Blessings,
The Rev. Astrid Storm +