How will you approach giving to Living the Spirit?
by Heather Bell
It would be easy to look at the Living the Spirit campaign and simply see debt.
But look around St. Matthew's! Yes, we enjoy our new spaces. But we celebrate more than just bricks and mortar: We celebrate what is happening in, and more important, out of those spaces: A kitchen that can accommodate cooking for The Cornerstone Project; rehearsal space for the music program; our Library and The Community Preschool; a garden that is a part of our commitment to Dare to Care, and coming soon, the Dare to Care Community Food Pantry.
Our mission to reach out as "Christ's hands to the world" is thriving in our new space. And to continue St. Matthew's growth, we must now fulfill the financial burden that remains after we built it.
These are difficult times. Another monthly payment coming from your household income may seem a daunting challenge. But take a look at the chart below, outlining specific monthly commitments that build up in small steps to substantial gifts. A pledge total may seem less overwhelming when we look at it from a monthly perspective. Expenses as small as daily and weekly incidentals or indulgences add up quickly: Think of lattes, bottled water, dinners out.
The campaign kicks off with a Progressive Adventure on March 5, a behind-the-scenes look at St. Matthew's. Then, in March, you will be asked to give. As with the Every Member Canvass, it is important that everyone participates. Please pray for this campaign and pray on your commitment - for this campaign, and also your ongoing gifts of time and talent to the Parish.
Annual Payments
Campaign Pledge Number of Years
| 1 | 2 | 3 | Other | |
| $1,000 | 1,000.00 | 500.00 | 333.33 | |
| $3,000 | 3,000.00 | 1,500.00 | 1,000.00 | |
| $5,000 | 5,000.00 | 2,500.00 | 1,666.67 | |
| $10,000 | 10,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 3,333.33 | |
| $25,000 | 25,000.00 | 12,500.00 | 8,333.33 | |
| $50,000 | 50,000.00 | 25,00.00 | 16,666.67 |
Monthly Payments
Campaign Pledge Number of Years
| 1 | 2 | 3 | Other | |
| $1,000 | 83.33 | 41.67 | 27.78 | |
| $3,000 | 250.00 | 125.00 | 83.33 | |
| $5,000 | 416.67 | 208.33 | 138.89 | |
| $10,000 | 833.33 | 416.67 | 277.78 | |
| $25,000 | 2,083.33 | 1,041.67 | 694.44 | |
| $50,000 | 4,166.67 | 2,083.33 | 1,388.89 |
More than a half-century ago, when the current St. Matthew's Episcopal Church held its first services on Sept. 5, 1948 at the St. Matthew's Woman's Club on Shelbyville Road with the Rt. Rev. Charles Clingman, then Bishop of Kentucky, conducting, our first bulletin carried these words. They are worth reflecting upon as we look toward our coming decades of faith and service:
"May God's blessing rest upon us as we begin this venture with Him. May this be a friendly church and one whose members are devoted to our Lord. It is easy to foresee a great parish…within a few years."
