October 13, 2025                                                                                        

Dear fellow parishioners,

We write to thank you for your continued support of Zion Episcopal Church and our larger community. As we reflect upon the blessings of our parish community and the many ways we serve God, we want to take a moment to talk about the importance of Stewardship within our church family and the greater community.

A hallmark of Zion is the joyous welcome and acceptance for all. Another is steadfast faithfulness to

God and one another. The theme for this year's campaign comes from the hymn, "Tell Out My Soul." This familiar hymn reminds us of God's greatness and our invitation to serve God and one another with love and joy. The premise expands the depth of our mission To know Christ's love and to share it. Both themes help us understand that Stewardship includes but goes far beyond financial giving. It encompasses service, sharing our time, sharing our talents, and caring for each other and the larger world. Whether you support church events, participate in outreach programs, or contribute financially to our mission programs, every act of stewardship is a gift of faith and hope.

A vibrant church requires significant financial resources. It costs over $1,200 a day to pay our Clergy and staff, maintain our buildings and grounds and fund our Mission driven programs. This is a large burden for a congregation the size of ours. To meet these financial obligations, we are currently relying on money from our invested funds that exceeds the budgeted 5% annual draw. The goal of the Vestry and the Finance Committee is to raise $250,000 in financial pledges for 2026. This will bring us closer to achieving our goal of a balanced Operating Budget by 2028. This will require each of us be as generous as we are able.

We ask that you pray about how much of your time, talent, and treasure you will commit to Zion Church this coming year. Please bring the pledge card to church on Sunday, November 16th. The pledge cards will be blessed that morning. Following the 10 am service, we will gather for a potluck luncheon. This will be a time for all of us to celebrate Zion as a community of love, faithful support, generosity, and service to all.

In Faith and Peace,

The Zion vestry

P. O. Box 717 Manchester Center, Vermont 05255 • telephone: (802) 362-1987 lax: (802) 362-0633 • e-mail: office@zionchurchmanchester.org • www.zionchurchmanchester.org

*Pledges may also be given by clicking the Give Now button below and selecting “Pledge”.

WAYS TO GIVE