As of this week, 161 households have returned their pledge cards as part of our financial stewardship campaign. Thank you so much for your faithful and generous response supporting the ministries and programs at Westminster as we work to provide a place at God’s table for everyone. We extend a special thank you to those who pledged this year for the first time, including our new members, and those who increased their pledges. Again, many, many thanks.
The 161 pledges received thus far represent just over 65% of the households that pledged last year and slightly more than 80% of the financial goal set by the Stewardship Committee to support what we are called to do in 2020 to love God and our neighbors. So, if you have not yet returned your pledge card, we ask that you please do so. If you’ve misplaced it, you’ll find pledge cards and stewardship brochures in the pew racks, in the narthex and in the Gathering Place, or you can call Kate Brinkley in the church office and she will be happy to mail you another pledge card or full stewardship package. You also can pledge online through the Giving section of www.westminsterva.org.
Last year at this time, the Stewardship Committee asked you to support, through your 2019 pledge, our call of a new Associate Pastor for University and Social Justice Mission. On Sunday, in the sanctuary filled with
Westminster members, Dorothy’s family and friends, and representatives of the Presbytery, Dorothy was installed as our new Associate Pastor. If you heard Dorothy speak at the stewardship lunch a few weeks ago or read last week’s newsletter, you see that, in only her first few months, she has had a significant impact on the life of Westminster, re-envisioning our University Mission and working with many of you in our numerous peace, justice, and inclusion ministries. Your pledge for 2020 will strengthen and expand our University and social justice work and much, much more.
As we’ve gone through this financial stewardship season, the Stewardship Committee hopes you’ve gained a deeper understanding of the significant impact your practice of stewardship has on all the ministries and programs at Westminster. For those who have not yet pledged, please join us and the many others in the congregation in this spiritual practice. Together, let us commit a portion of what God has entrusted to us to serve Christ and provide a place at the God’s table for everyone, a table filled with love, grace, and acceptance.
As we sang together on Dedication Sunday, “God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, compassion and peace.”
On behalf of the Stewardship Committee, thank you for your faithful practice of stewardship.