The Credits - Because Great Credit is Due
The extraordinary video about Christ Church introduced in last week’s update and available for viewing at the link above is the work of the parishioners who generously shared their thoughts on camera and a team of communications experts comprised of Terrell Fuller, Jeff Grappone, and David White of the Stewardship Committee working with The Rev. Huddleston. The high quality of the images and sound and the artful composition of the video is the gift of Guy Martin, IV. Guy is a professional film-maker and active Christ Church member from a family that has been worshipping, leading, and participating in our church for generations. A deep and sincere thank-you is owed to all.
A Faithful Fiscal Fact
Utility costs are a significant expense for our church. Christ Church uses natural gas for heating, cooking, and hot water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, last year, the average natural gas price for commercial customers in D.C. was $15.05 per thousand cubic feet, up from $10.58 in 2020.
Increased pledges and parishioners beginning (or resuming) the pledge-making habit are essential in managing utility cost hikes.
Do You Know?
If pledge dollars received exceed the amount assumed when a budget is finalized, the full amount of endowment earnings set aside for day-to-day operations may not be drawn in full. Pledge receipts during 2022 exceeded both the budgeted estimate and the amount received during 2021. The same happy result is occurring this year. Back-to-back years of growth in pledge-based gifts thus freed up endowment dollars for use by the Vestry when planning for the major HVAC project completed earlier this year.
A Personal Perspective on Stewardship
I think the common expression that “Life is a participation sport” very aptly applies here. What I take from this common expression is that you have to be engaged, if not fully involved, to receive the fullest benefit from what you do. Stewardship is like that ... it makes you a full player. Instead of being a spectator, you are now a full member of the team.
Instead of just receiving, you are now contributing. And in so doing you now find that what was perhaps a more peripheral activity in your life is now a core part of your life. Like many times when one gives to a cause, Stewardship has a way of making you feel “richer” about what you believe in. So, buy the ticket, join the team ... be a full participant!
-Dick Thompson, a lifelong Christ Church parishioner
Pledge Sunday
On Sunday, November 5, parishioners are invited to bring their 2024 Pledge Card to any service to deposit in the offertory plate. As always, blank Pledge Cards will be available at the back of the church and outside the Chapel. If you prefer to pledge online, please click here :
