September 21, 2026

Dear St John’s Family,

A year and a half ago this parish lost its rector with no warning. There is no manual for that.

What happened next was not luck. We showed up. Father Ben held things steady, Father Ken steadied us further, our leaders did the difficult work, and this congregation gave more than it ever had. Two hundred ten households pledged $1,066,905 in a year when no one would have blamed us for questioning or pausing.

A parish that gives generously in its hardest year is a parish that knows exactly what it has.

This year is easier, and the ask is clear. Our goal is $1,125,000. If you pledged last year, thank you, and please consider a step of five percent, about a dollar a week for every thousand you give. The guide that came with your letter does the math. If you have never pledged, this is the year, at any amount. As Tommy Battle shared with us in church yesterday, our stewardship campaign will be a big part of our welcome for our new Rector, Christopher. It is our welcome to make.

Pledge Sunday is two weeks away, October 4, with the parish picnic at Monica and Jeff Wiley's farm. Bring your card, mail it, or pledge online at stjohnslynchburg.org/give.

With thanks for what you have already done,

Ellen Edmunds

Senior Warden