Finance Committee
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Every Member Canvass - Update

The Every Member Canvass was very successful.  Total pledges were up - all were either increased or stayed the same.  There were a number of new pledges as well.

Overall, pledged giving increased 18% over 2004.  A few pledge cards are still outstanding.  Please do get them to the Parish Office as soon as possible so we can present the final total at the Annual Meeting.

15 January, 2005


Letter from Tim Carr, Chairman, Every Member Canvass

I am writing to you about stewardship at Christ Church. I have been asked to chair the
Every Member Canvass for 2005 and I am pleased and proud to do so because our church means so much to my family and to me.

The Every Member Canvass is about a budget. The reality is that churches need an
operating income as do businesses and households and the Every Member Canvass
means much more than meeting the financial needs of running the programs and keeping up our buildings and grounds. It is a reflection of our stewardship commitment—the tangible way in which we respond to the love and grace of God and the blessings we have in our lives.

Many of you have supported Christ Church most generously over the years. I hope you will continue that level of support but I also hope that you will consider increasing your pledge to Christ Church. There are real signs that many of the challenges we have faced over the past years are coming to a resolution. Vestry committees are working actively on resolving the dilemmas of the Parish House and the campus, growing the congregation, developing outreach programs and expanding our Christian education and youth activities. Attendance has been good—and we trust it will get better. There is much at Christ Church that is worth our support!

On Sunday, October 24th, Father Lowry will speak about stewardship. On November 7th and 14th, members of the parish family will speak briefly about their commitment to our church and its ministry. I believe these will be most informative and helpful and hope you will be able to attend Church on these Sundays—and especially on November 21st when we offer to God our pledges to the work of Christ Church.

Again this year, a devoted group of canvassers will be calling to make an appointment to speak with you about how your commitment will make a genuine difference in the life of Christ Church. Please welcome your canvasser when he or she comes to call. If you would prefer to make your pledge without the visit of a canvasser, please call the office and your pledge card will be mailed to you.

Thank you for your support of Christ Church and its ministry. It is most appreciated.

Sincerely,
Tim Carr, Chair
The Every Member Canvass

20 October, 2004