Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross
Stewardship Campaign 2021

HC 2021 pledge letter
Dear Holy Cross family,

2020 has been a year like no other. Holy Cross has responded to the COVID pandemic by:

	launching an online interactive experience and on- demand video service; creating the Dogwood Chapel, allowing outdoor gatherings on the church grounds; offering outdoor communion; holding virtual meetings of the vestry and other church gatherings; and encouraging members to keep in touch with each other. We have also used the pause in on-site worship as an opportunity to complete many of our planned facilities upgrades, including: extensive renovations of the church and chapel; new and renovated bathrooms; expanded classroom and meeting spaces; and a new rehearsal space for the Holy Cross chancel choir.
Recently, we relaunched our Outreach committee and provided much needed support for our long-term outreach partners like Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry and Church of the Advocate, which directly serve many of those most in need in our community. In addition to the money that you contributed to the Together Campaign, we were able to accomplish all of these things in 2020 because so many of you have fulfilled your stewardship pledge for the year. Although so much about 2021 is still uncertain, Holy Cross is ready to continue on the journey of growth and spiritual community that we started five years ago when Father Robert Ard answered our call to be our new rector. We are ready to be the Body of Christ and the people that God calls us to be. Our buildings are ready. Our staff and lay leadership are ready. Our programs are ready. We are ready to meet indoors or out, virtually or in person.
	To meet our vision for 2021, we need your support of the stewardship campaign. This year as you get ready to fill out your pledge card, please think about all the blessings that you receive from this community and all the blessings that you share with others through this community. Certainly, we have utilities and building maintenance, staff, and programs to pay for. But more than any of these things your pledge goes to support the life of this congregation, which is our community of faith, hope, joy, and love. When you pledge to Holy Cross, you not only help us plan how to pay the bills, but you also help us to plan how we can become the beloved community of Christ at Holy Cross.
Your pledge is more than just money; rather, it is a shared gift of faith, hope, joy, and love that allows us all to say to our brothers and sisters at Holy Cross, “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1) We recognize that this is a time where some in our parish family are facing considerable financial challenges. If your circumstances permit, please consider making an increased pledge for 2021. If you have not pledged in the past, every pledge helps us meet our operating and program expenses. Please reach out to any one of us if you have questions about the stewardship campaign or about the vision for the future of the Body of Christ at Holy Cross. Father Robert Ard, Rector Jim Batchler-Smith, Senior Warden Peter Franklin, Treasurer

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for our Holy Cross parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the hopeful, and restore the joyful. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

To give online, please use the link below and create and account:

https://www.onlinechurchsolutions.com/ECHolyCross/ 

or the form below is for your convenience to pledge online.