The first week of our annual campaign has come to a close. Thanks to each of you for considering how you will join with all our parishioners to support the ministries of St. Christopher’s. For those who enjoy the statistical breakdown, we have 38 commitments. Of those, 11 were submitted online and 27 were traditional cards returned on Sunday or by mail. Only our financial assistant can tie contributors to the amounts given. As a group, we have made commitments of just over $114,000 to date. On average this is an increase in giving of just over 9.5%.

Thank you for the many comments we received about the 1% solution—an idea for each of us to consider increasing our gift by 1% of our annual income. A few found it easy and doable; others were unable to give at that level. Virtually all commented that the 1% solution was interesting and something tangible for conversations at home and prayerful consideration. 

That’s the point. We wrestle with discussions of what is right and appropriate within our community. Each of us has other financial considerations: kids, kids in school, moving to a fixed income, and so much more. There is no single answer, but there are any number of personal right answers as we consider sacrificial and proportional support for our community of faith— a community racing toward the goal where God is beckoning us forward.