Many people do not know that, unlike the Roman Catholic Church, Episcopal parishes are self-supporting. The Episcopal Diocese does not contribute one cent to our daily or weekly operating expenses, and in fact, each Episcopal parish pays an assessment to the diocese to maintain its mission work in this State and in the world.

That means that every dollar we spend, from paying our clergy and staff, to turning on the lights and the heat, to repairing the roof and cleaning the building, to purchasing candles and hymnals for the sanctuary, and supplies for the Sunday School, and wine and wafers for the Eucharist, and the list goes on and on - every dime that we the community spend, we the community must contribute.

Some parishes have large endowments that provide them with investment income, but that is not the case at St. John's. We are almost entirely dependent upon the generosity and commitment of each member of our community, each week, each month, each year.

This is both good news and not so good news. The good news is that we know that our life is dependent upon each other, on our teamwork. We know that we can count on each other to pitch in what we can, and that we have supported sustained the life of our community together. The bad news is that this requires some sacrifice. It means that we must each and all evaluate our commitment to St. John's and its work in our community and in our world, and decide how much we can give to that commitment. It means that we must embrace St. John's with a sense of gratitude and responsibility.

St. John's cannot survive unless everyone contributes. This personal giving is a spiritual discipline that is among the most profound gifts offered by a community of faith. Please prayerfully embrace this opportunity to be an active pillar of this community by giving generously to the St. John's Operating Fund. Contact our Treasurer, any member of the vestry, or the Rev'd. Anne Fowler for more information on how you can give more to the life and work of St. Johns.

Thank You!