As members of an Episcopal Church, we are familiar with the cycle of liturgical seasons. I think that most of St. Luke’s ministries have a similar rotation of activity, focus, and intent. The Pledge Campaign is one of these recurring, seasonal events, and is necessary for the life and health of St. Luke’s.
In its cycle of responsibilities, Financial Ministry (FinMin) starts preparing next year’s budget before St. Luke’s Day, before our rambunctious Pet Blessing—even before the last day of summer. FinMin’s current 2026 Draft Budget is based on estimations of next year’s income and costs; it reflects our parish responsibilities, priorities, and hopes.
To pledge means to inform St. Luke’s of how much money you plan to donate to the church next year. Pledging is a personal and private discernment; it is communicated and managed confidentially; it can be changed at any time; and there is no “correct” amount. Every pledge is appreciated, and every pledge makes next year’s budget more accurate.
Since you are being asked to include St. Luke’s in your own financial budget, it is reasonable to ask, “What does St. Luke’s do with this money?”
Staff Compensation is the largest expense. We are blessed that Jessica is with us as a faithful servant of God, but it is not a volunteer gig. I suspect that if we factored in the number of hours Jessica spends responding to parishioners, working with sta, representing St. Luke’s in the community and the diocese, engaging with our ministries, and otherwise planning, caring, and praying for us, we are far ahead.
If you attend 10 am worship, Christmas Eve, Holy Week, Easter, Baptism, or memorial services, you are aware of the liturgical flow that Sarah provides through her own musical offerings, and through choir and instrumental leadership. Sarah also teams with Jessica to prepare our liturgy and communicates with the parish and beyond through service bulletins, Hot News, and parish emails, as well as St. Luke’s website and YouTube channel.
James efficiently manages office functions, assists Jessica and Sarah, and is the personable first point of contact at our church. Much like an air traffic controller, he manages incoming traffic and helps make connections. And nursery staff are patient, reliable, and loving caregivers to our youngest members.
Second on the list of expenses is Parish Operations. This includes such enticing items as utilities, property insurance and taxes, photocopier costs, and building maintenance—all necessary expenses. The church mindfully uses cost-saving measures such as time scheduled thermostats, motion-sensitive lighting, and recycled paper, and it benefits from many, many, many volunteer hours donated to maintaining our gardens, grounds, and building.
Admittedly, I used to wonder why Diocesan Giving was our third largest expense. I have come to understand that when our donations are combined with those of other parishes, EDOW can reach wider in service than a single parish can. And we have benefitted from EDOW’s support ourselves: Sarah Horick’s position was initially funded by a diocesan grant; Lesley Krauland served us at the request of Bishop Mariann; Jessica received professional resources from the diocese throughout the daycare tenant process; a variety of training events are available for parishioners; and EDOW partners with Seabury annually to honor long-standing volunteers. I think we’re all excited about Michelle Dibblee joining us (and don’t we feel proud of how Bishop Mariann spoke forthrightly to the US president?).
Budgets are a theological document, showing ourselves as the hands and feet of Jesus. Please consider your ability to make a pledge to next year’s budget. Together, we will be the hands and feet of Jesus.
