During this time of the year, you will be asked to prayerfully make your 2024 pledge to Epiphany Seattle. The season will kick off with a sermon at the morning services on October 8 and will conclude with a day to gather our prayers on November 19.
Our goal is 100% participation, no matter the size of your giving. The vitality of our pledge drive is an important signal of the life and influence of the life of this parish in the city of Seattle.
PLEDGE NOWWe do two things at Epiphany: seek God, and love neighbor. The second is a result of the first. Jesus sums it up this way: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27).
These two things have been happening at Epiphany since 1907; funded year in and year out through the annual appeal.
Up until COVID, Epiphany was growing like crazy. Between 2007 and 2019 the average Sunday attendance bloomed by over 200%. The pandemic put a hard stop on that. Now, I’m pleased to report the Holy Spirit’s energy is back, with Sunday attendance at the annual picnic exceeding that of 2019.
And so, this year we are putting together a budget to meet this momentum, and we need your increased support to do this! In addition to our standard emphasis on worship, outreach, music, and adult education, we are focused on supporting young families, youth engagement, and neighborhood outreach. Lisa Ozaeta and Amanda Eap are very effective leaders in these efforts and substantive additions to our leadership team.
I would like to christen this Annual Appeal the Year of the Neighbor, but that moniker has been affixed to Epiphany since 1907. What has changed is the increasing necessity for places where neighbors can gather and be known and cared for unconditionally. Epiphany remains a spiritual center of gravity in a world longing all the more for this love.
We remain because of you; we grow because of the need. It is your generosity in the Annual Appeal that will allow Epiphany to be a beacon of neighborly love, fulfilling God’s purpose for this parish.
If you have any questions about anything regarding Epiphany or her financial situation, please call me at (310) 625-5039, or send me an e-mail at dconn@epiphanyseattle.org.
I’m so glad you’re part of the Epiphany family.
Peace upon your souls.
Yours in Christ,
Doyt+
What is the Annual Appeal?
This is a month-long fundraising campaign in the Fall of the year when parishioners are asked to commit financially to support the mission and programs and staff of their church.
What is a Pledge?
Each year Epiphany parishioners are asked to make a financial commitment, known as a pledge, to support the operation of our church during the coming year. This pledge affirms your membership at Epiphany and your willingness to do your part to support it. The 2022 operating budget is primarily based on the amount of money pledged through the annual Fall appeal.
What is a Diocesan Assessment?
Epiphany does not receive any money from the Episcopal Church. Epiphany does support the Episcopal Church in Western Washington, known as the Diocese of Olympia, as well as the National Episcopal Church based in New York City. The assessment is based on a proportion of Epiphany’s annual revenue and is used by the broader church for mission work, disaster relief, and in support of struggling congregations in disadvantaged circumstances.
When does my Pledge have to be paid?
Your pledge may be paid anytime you choose before the end of 2022. Some make a one-time payment, while others pay at intervals such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
How much should I Pledge?
A pledge is a heartfelt gift of gratitude for the blessings God has bestowed upon you. As scripture so notes: “All things come from thee, O Lord, and of thine own do we give to thee.” When considering the amount of your pledge, take a minute to assess your household wealth and income, and then make a pledge in proportion to your material blessings. If your future financial situation is uncertain, consider a making a cautious pledge, and then should your income increase, increase your pledge. Your pledge of any amount shows is expression of faithfulness, thanksgiving, and practical support. Every pledge matters irrespective of size.
About 84% of the annual revenue at Epiphany comes from the pledges made during the Annual Appeal. This revenue covers all aspects of Epiphany operations including administration, programs, worship expenses, buildings and grounds, and our diocesan assessment.
“Epiphany has been our spiritual home for almost 60 years. Weddings, baptisms, church choir, school, vestry, Search and other committees, have provided our family with opportunities to share and receive the blessings of a supportive, loving community, and a structure of faith based growth and involvement. The development of a strong musical program and increasing outreach to the broader community is particularly heart -warming .We are happy to be able to share our resources, show our gratitude, and be a part of the stewardship that is necessary to continue and enhance this environment.” – Jim and Barbee Crutcher