ANNUAL APPEAL

Church of the Incarnation Stewardship Campaign for 2023-24

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Dear Friends in Christ,

On Sunday August 13 our parish family celebrated the launch of the 2023-24 Annual Appeal.  We gathered in fellowship between the 8:00 and 10:30 Sunday worship services to share a delicious brunch and to talk about stewardship.  I am thankful for all who prepared and served this meal.  I hope that it will become a tradition for our church.

Since 1896, Incarnation has stood at the corner of 5th and Main. It is a sacred space for worship, learning, growth, and service.  Incarnation is a church that parishioners have loved for many generations.  We follow in their footsteps to receive the body and blood of Christ; to celebrate life’s joyful moments; and to gather strength and support in times of grief, confusion, and change.

In “The Gifts of God” brochure insert, you will find gracious themes running through the testimonials of parishioners:  gratitude; the church as our home and family; cherished opportunities for worship, study, fellowship, and use of our God-given talents; welcoming all who come; caring for each other pastorally; serving our neighbors, be they in Highlands or Haiti;  dedication of clergy and parishioners; the reverent beauty of our worship spaces; the perpetual  rhythms of Eucharist, Morning Prayer, and special services; the very presence of God.

As Fr. Bentley reminded us on Sunday, God’s love for us is unconditional.  It does not depend on how much we give.  Instead, giving transforms us, sanctifies us, and draws us nearer to the heart of God.  Giving is an expression of gratitude for all the blessings of our lives.

“Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us.  We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. ~ BCP, p. 816

Giving from our hearts, in support of God’s work, and as an expression of our love, is part of our discipleship.  This is true whether we pledge or not.  In the lives that we build with our families, our church families, and other chosen families, love and commitment joined together add purpose and meaning to our existences. If you have not yet pledged to support the ministry of the Incarnation, we invite you to prayerfully consider making this commitment.  If you have pledged before, please prayerfully consider continuing or increasing your pledge as you are able.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as chair of this Annual Appeal and I am thankful for our dedicated committee members:  Martha Wright, Alisa Shapard, Kathleen Michaels, Elizabeth and David Martin, Tom Holmes, and Tom Claiborne.  Please reach out to Fr. Bentley, Mtr. Kellan, or any of the committee members if you would like to talk about stewardship.  A pledge card is enclosed. Our goal is to receive as many pledges as possible on or before the Annual Parish Meeting on October 15, 2023.

With gratitude,

Ruth Claiborne, Chair, 2023-24 Annual Appeal

Make a Pledge

    Your Contact Information:

    Your Pledge:

    With God's help, I/we pledge to support the ministry of the Church of the Incarnation with the following pledge:*

    Please note: The amount entered here should be the sum total amount of your gift. For example, if you would like to give $25 every month, then enter 300 ($25 x 12 months) in the space provided. Alternatively, you can just enter a set amount here and indicate your desired frequency below, and the Church will determine the correct amount during each period.

    Frequency:* My/our preference for giving is:
    WeeklyMonthlyAnnuallyAs Can

    Public Pledge:* May we list your name(s) in a list of those who pledge to be published in the church's newsletter?
    YesNo

    Giving Envelopes:* Would you like a box of weekly giving envelopes, stamped with Sunday dates in 2023?
    YesNo

    Automatic Draft:* Many enjoy the ease of establishing a monthly draft on a checking account or debit/credit card. Are you interested in utilizing this tool? (If yes, you will be contacted by the church's Finance Administrator to obtain your information.)
    YesNo

    Have you considered adding Incarnation to your will?
    Would you like more information about making a planned gift to Incarnation (i.e. a bequest in your will, a designation for the church on a life insurance policy, a charitable remainder trust, etc.)? If yes, you will be contacted directly by a member of the church's Stewardship Committee or someone in the Church office to discuss your options.
    Yes, I would like to receive information about planned givingI have already remembered Incarnation in my will/estate planningNot at this time

    Special Instructions: If there is additional information or you have other special instructions about your pledge, please indicate them below.

    Make a Donation

    If you’d like to make a one-time donation using your credit card, you may do so by selecting this option. All transactions are processed securely by PayPal. Please note that you do not have to have a PayPal account to donate using your credit card. Instructions for doing so are below.