Information for our Rector call 2023
Stewardship
The Stewardship Ministry at St. James’ meets monthly and is facilitated by ministry members with rector participation. Although stewardship is a year-round ministry and commitment, the annual pledge drive generally begins in September and peaks on St. James’ Day in mid-October, when pledges are offered as part of the oblation at the 8 AM and 10 AM services. Immediately following the 10 AM service, a reception/brunch continues the celebration. Teaching about stewardship promotes proportional giving with tithing as a minimum goal. Stewardship is encouraged through sermons, Sunday discussion and educational forums, outreach programs and the quarterly newsletter throughout the year.
Pledging
The pledging data reported herein is based on the most recent Annual Parish Report from the 255th Annual Meeting, January 27, 2019.
There are 159 individuals at Saint James’ entitled to vote at any Parish meeting, and 85 individuals/families who pledged to assist the Vestry in discerning a sustainable budget, with a commitment to give $231,034 in support of the Parish.
Finances
The Parish uses the Parish Accounting Manual in carrying out its business functions and the audit is current. The budget is developed by the Finance Ministry, a subcommittee of the Stewardship Ministry, with input from staff and various ministries of St. James’. The rector actively participates in the budget process, which begins in September and concludes by Vestry approval after completion of the pledge campaign. The budget is usually finalized in December. Sources of income are member pledges, plate offerings, interest from the permanent endowment fund, and occasional financial gifts from estates. Fundraising has not been a tradition, but is always a topic of discussion. The Finance Ministry meets monthly, monitors expenses and if deemed appropriate, recommends plans to the Vestry to ensure we maintain our facilities and ministries in a responsible manner.
Financial Snapshot
The Stewardship Ministry at St. James’ meets monthly and is facilitated by ministry members with rector participation. Although stewardship is a year-round ministry and commitment, the annual pledge drive generally begins in September and peaks on St. James’ Day in mid-October, when pledges are offered as part of the oblation at the 8 AM and 10 AM services. Immediately following the 10 AM service, a reception/brunch continues the celebration. Teaching about stewardship promotes proportional giving with tithing as a minimum goal. Stewardship is encouraged through sermons, Sunday discussion and educational forums, outreach programs and the quarterly newsletter throughout the year.
Pledging
The pledging data reported herein is based on the most recent Annual Parish Report from the 255th Annual Meeting, January 27, 2019.
There are 159 individuals at Saint James’ entitled to vote at any Parish meeting, and 85 individuals/families who pledged to assist the Vestry in discerning a sustainable budget, with a commitment to give $231,034 in support of the Parish.
Finances
The Parish uses the Parish Accounting Manual in carrying out its business functions and the audit is current. The budget is developed by the Finance Ministry, a subcommittee of the Stewardship Ministry, with input from staff and various ministries of St. James’. The rector actively participates in the budget process, which begins in September and concludes by Vestry approval after completion of the pledge campaign. The budget is usually finalized in December. Sources of income are member pledges, plate offerings, interest from the permanent endowment fund, and occasional financial gifts from estates. Fundraising has not been a tradition, but is always a topic of discussion. The Finance Ministry meets monthly, monitors expenses and if deemed appropriate, recommends plans to the Vestry to ensure we maintain our facilities and ministries in a responsible manner.
Financial Snapshot
- The permanent endowment fund provides interest income that is available for use in the annual budget. In 2019, St. James’ is requesting $100K, which represents 6.6% of the market value as of 12/31/2018.
- The permanent endowment fund contains $1,520,182 (December 2018) and the Book of the Living Trust contains $354,032 (December 2018).
- The cash position is $106,637 (December 2018).
- The 2019 Vestry-approved budget to meet regular operating expenses is $416,962, with a deficit of $60, 973.