Beloved Friends,
I write to you today with an appeal to consider making a year end contribution for the mission and ministry we are privileged to share as members of the Trinity community. As we have so successfully over the last two years, we are seeking your radical generosity in hopes of garnering both support for our ministry at home as well as collecting funds to help another organization. This year we are designating Episcopal Relief and Development, to be the recipient of any funds raised beyond our annual appeal goal of $2,250.
Each year we budget for an anticipated amount of giving during this season as we reflect on what it means to exercise our gratitude for all the blessings of this past year. In response, we ask you to consider expressing some of that gratitude through an additional monetary gift of any size beyond your regular contributions.
Our contribution to Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) supports their mission to work in collaboration with church partners and other local organizations around the world facilitating healthier lives for those in communities struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. They also work domestically and around the world responding to and rebuilding after disasters. ERD’s programs impact the lives of over 3 million people annually. Their unique expertise, experience and practical knowledge allow them to guide communities to lasting change with a focus on three key priorities: Women, Children and Climate related issues.
This year ERD will be matching all donations received by December 31!
Here is just a small sampling on some of the ways our small gifts will make big differences:
- $25 will provide individuals & communities chickens to raise and sell surplus stock and eggs in the marketplace.
- $45 will provide communities with seeds, climate-smart agricultural training and quality farming tools to cultivate a sustainable food supply.
- $80 will provide a goat to produce staple items such as milk, cheese and manure for farming.
- $95 will provide a bike for community volunteers in rural areas better access to reach more families.
- $200 will provide an investment in women-owned businesses through micro-credit loans and training.
Read inspiring stories about some of their transformative work in their Stories section.
There are any number of ways you can make your end of year contribution to Trinity and join us in exceeding our needs so that we can do more “for good and for God” far beyond our walls. You can make a contribution on-line through the Giving tab on our website adding in the note: Christmas Appeal. Or, you can simply come to one of our 2 Christmas Eve services (4:00pm or 11:00pm) and put your generous offering in the collection plate.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration of all that we are and have through the grace of God who will be born to us anew very soon on the holiest of nights.
May you never forget that you are loved,
Lisa
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Tucker-Gray
Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church