‘Kindle the Spark Within’

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit.  (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19)

Dear St. Mary Magdalene Community,  

Our journey to spark a ‘New Fire’ at St. Mary Magdalene has reached the pivotal moment of our annual Stewardship Pledge Campaign. As with all stops along a journey, it’s an important time to reflect on the path we’ve already traveled, and the one that lies ahead. 

Few would argue about the collective success of this church, and this community. As a whole, the fire certainly burns bright. The Stewardship Pledge Campaign is an opportunity to dig deep, within ourselves (and our pockets) to keep that spark within kindled, the same spark that led us through those beautiful SMM doors, so many Sundays ago.

Spiritual passion needs fuel to keep it burning brightly. What is your fuel? 

Opportunities abound to fuel our spiritual passion at St. Mary Magdalene. The Stewardship Committee encourages everyone to consider engaging in one (or more) of the many opportunities this church offers for ministry, prayer, worship, education, outreach, fellowship and support. Participating is the best way to weave ourselves into the fabric of our SMM community, and to keep the programs and ministries that we love going and growing. It might even rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit in your heart.

Please also read through the details of the church’s operating expenses. Monetary pledges provide predictable revenue that keep this collective fire burning bright. Almost all of our expenses, including clergy and staff salaries and benefits, administration, utilities, repairs and maintenance, community outreach and tithes to our diocese, are funded by our own financial contributions. 

We urge you to give generously. In order to maintain our current level of programs and staff next year, pledge income needs to increase by about $24,000 just to keep up with inflation. And if we want to address immediate needs such as improving our sound/video production, hiring a part-time Communications Coordinator, and creating a handicap-accessible bathroom, we will need an additional $20,000. This represents a total increase of about 10.5% over our 2023 operating budget. 

The spiritual journey is lifelong. Use this time to reflect on how you can kindle the spark within, in your own life and in our community. Your contributions of money and service to St. Mary Magdalene will keep this communal, beautiful New Fire burning for years to come. 

On behalf of the SMM Stewardship Committee,  

Members: Rick Fredo (Chair), Meg Thornbury, John Earley, Barb Fernie, Katie Temme, Tracy Kendall, Janet Poley (Senior Warden), Jack Wheeler (Treasurer), and Joan Wheeler

Thank You.

2024 Stewardship Campaign Pledge Form