Dean’s Letter
Dear Friends,
We’ve come this far by faith. That’s a line from an old spiritual and it’s also a core truth at Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Over many decades, the people of this congregation have pursued their ministries with a deep and abiding faith, trusting that God would provide the resources needed to accomplish the task and we, in turn, would use those gifts for holy purposes. Our recent response to the fire crisis that devastated the county bears witness to and honors that noble tradition.
We continue to believe that God will provide and we’re sure that you’re a part of God’s plan. Your support is especially needed right now so that we can grow in three vital areas. We must continue to support the excellent pastoral care practiced by our extraordinary cathedral nurse and the other members of our pastoral care team. We’ve made great strides in the past year in welcoming new members and supporting current members in their ministries. We’d love to expand this work in the coming months. And we also know that we’re called to be a blessing to the larger community. Just as individuals deepen their faith by being generous, so too do institutions; we need to expand our support for this diocese and other social service ministries who depend on us, especially in the months that lie immediately before us.
To accomplish these goals, and to maintain the high levels of programming currently offered, our budget in 2008 will grow by 16.5%. To help us meet that need, I’m asking you to consider joining me in a commitment to the tithe; ten percent of my gross salary is given to Saint Paul’s Cathedral, to the glory of God. Together, I expect our gifts to do three simple things: provide help to persons in need, create a spiritual home for one and all, and offer hope to the whole human family.
We know that you share our commitment to love and serve – that is both our campaign theme this year and our confident expectation for all our members. Thank you so much for doing your part to free up the financial resources needed to fulfill God’s call to us.
With hope and gratitude,
(The Very Reverend) Scott E. Richardson, Dean