“Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
And Now: a Word from your Pledge Card
Hi Friends,
Fr. Mark is off doing something, so I thought I’d help him out. I’m your 2022 CCPKI Pledge Card and I thought we might get acquainted. Some of you have been seeing me around since the 1970s. Others might just see another solicitation for a charitable good cause.
First off, I am not a bill or a fee for service. I come around about this time every year asking you to take an inventory. How has your year been? (Well, other than the pandemic.) But seriously, take a few minutes to count some blessings. If you live with a spouse, partner, or family, maybe everyone could chime in. God has been active in 2021. Where have you seen God creating and re-creating?
Second, I’m a promise not a contract. Nobody knows everything that 2022 will bring. Maybe a new job or a new family member. Maybe a serious illness or an unforeseen expense. You can change what you wrote on your pledge card anytime based on your circumstances.
Third, your church family has done a really good job with me over the past 8 years. Giving to Operating has increased every year. Your leaders have repaired things, fed people, blessed children, and glorified God in music and worship, both In-Person and Online.
Fourth, your pledge card has helped us get a handle on our debt. In 8 years, we’ve dropped our mortgage burden from over a $1 million to under $400k. This year’s pledging to the Mortgage Fund could allow us to entirely eliminate our monthly $6600 mortgage payment in the foreseeable future.
“So, Pledge Card,” you ask, “what am I supposed to do?” Well, thanks for the question. If you haven’t pledged in a while or have never pledged, know that the number you write on your card matters. The great majority of pledge cards offer something between $1 per day and $20 a week; so start. We need every pledge.
If you have filled out a card like me before, think about your giving in terms of your receiving. Those on fixed incomes face rising costs and uncertainty. Do what your can. Those who are able, consider increasing your giving based on your receiving. Your pledge can be a bridge for those who cannot pledge or who cannot increase their pledge this year.
Lastly, as your pledge card, I want to remind you that “everything that is done in the world is done by hope”. Dr. King said this on several occasions, and we ask you to factor in hope as you consider your pledge. Your personal pledge card will be waiting for you this Sunday in Church. You can take it home and start your inventory. If you can’t be here, we’ll mail it to you next week or you can find one on the parish website.
Thanks for listening. Thanks for prayerfully filling me out. As St. Paul says: “We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 1:2-3)
Your Friend,
2022 CCPKI Pledge Card
