Promises

I am writing this rector’s note to you while taking a break from writing pledge thank-you notes! Whether by hand or by keyboard, it’s always a joy to write to you.

As I compose these thank yous, the word that keeps popping up in my mind is promises. Our promises to God and to each other in our baptismal convenant. The promises of sustainability for St. Bart’s that we make to every year through our pledges. How all these promises, added together, bring so much hope for 2026, for our church and for all those lives we touch. It is beautiful to witness.

Our pledging has just begun, and already we are 50% toward our giving goal for 2026. Interestingly, though, just 31% of our households have pledged. Imagine the hope and promise of 100% participation!

As I said in my pledge letter, the dollar amounts aren’t as important to me as the participation level. From a practical standpoint, we do need the current 50% of our giving goal to reach 100%, but as your rector I’m more focused on your participation. I want the 31% of households that have pledged to become 100% because I want everyone to feel they are a part of St. Bart’s—and that means giving back to God part of what has been given to us. Know that you don’t have to commit to a budget-breaking amount to say “I’m a part of St. Bart’s, and I’m in on the promise for God’s church.” I know some of you may be waiting until year-end to decide on your pledge levels, and that is completely understandable. But if you are not waiting for any particular reason, I ask you to return your pledge cards soon.

I’m thrilled to be your priest and the leader of your church—I find hope and promise in your participation as I watch the percentages rise weekly. And as I write the many thank-you notes, I’m grateful that you are part of St. Bart’s story. Indeed, you are a blessing.

Blessings,

Mother Nina+