A Letter of Jubilee and Revival

As we approach the new year, a sense of holy anticipation fills the air at St. Richard’s. 2026 is not just a new chapter; it’s a Jubilee Year for us. We’ll celebrate our 50th anniversary on July 4th, a golden milestone that invites us to look back with gratitude and forward with hope.

In the spirit of Jubilee, we believe God is calling us to a moment of spiritual and communal revival. A revival is a joyful return to our spiritual home—a refreshing, a renewal, and a rediscovery of the vibrant faith we are called to live. Together, these themes remind us that God’s grace is a constant source of liberation and new life.

This is a moment to honor our past and build a strong future. For fifty years, our community has been a testament to faith, dedication, and boundless generosity. Now, as we stand on the threshold of our next fifty years, we are filled with excitement for all that is to come.

Our Jubilee Year is a call to action—a time for spiritual renewal and communal restoration. This campaign is not just about our financial pledge goal; it’s a profound invitation to engage fully in the life of our church. We ask you to prayerfully consider your gifts of time and talent, and how you might use them to serve. Your dedication to our outreach programs, your skills in our administrative ministries, or your presence in worship and fellowship all play a crucial part in our shared mission. By actively participating, you help our community thrive, allowing us to bring God’s love to those in need. Let’s make 2026 a year a true revival—a time of bountiful giving and joyful service that transforms our church and our community, one act of generosity at a time.

You should be receiving a pledge card in the mail. (If you don’t, there are pledge cards in the Narthex but please update your contact information with the church office.) You can mail the card using the return envelope, enter your pledge online here or bring your card to church on Sunday, November 2, for our in-gathering and pledge blessing. We are grateful for your continued support and commitment to our church. Your dedication and generosity make a significant difference in our community. Together, let us celebrate our past, embrace our present, and look forward to a future filled with hope and promise.

Our Financial Vision for 2026

To realize our vision of a renewed and vibrant St. Richard’s, we have a clear plan for how our resources will be used. Our total expenses for 2026 are projected to be $816,000, and this budget represents a bare minimum approach, covering only the most essential costs to keep our ministries running. These funds are dedicated to supporting every facet of our church life.

Here is a look at where your pledges will make an impact:

Salary and Benefits ($357,000): This is the single largest investment we will make, supporting the vital work of our clergy and staff, including a full-time rector. This is a crucial step for our growth and stability.
Parish Hall Debt ($127,000): Your giving helps us make significant progress in paying down the debt on our beloved Parish Hall, a central space for our community gatherings and ministries.
Administration, Building, and Utilities ($215,000): These funds keep our lights on, our doors open, and our facilities well-maintained, ensuring a welcoming and safe space for everyone.
Outreach ($57,000): We are committed to being a beacon of hope in our community. These funds support our efforts to serve those in need and share God’s love beyond our walls.
Community, Discipleship, and Worship ($60,000): This combined total represents our investment in fostering a strong community. These funds support our ministries that help us grow in faith, connect with one another, and glorify God through our worship services.

These expenses are not just numbers; they are a direct reflection of our mission. Every dollar supports a ministry, every ministry strengthens a life, and every life is a testament to the power of God’s love.

Our Pledge Goal and Revenue

To realize our vision of a renewed and vibrant St. Richard’s, we have a clear plan for how our resources will be used. Our total expenses for 2026 are projected to be $816,000, and this budget represents a bare minimum approach, covering only the most essential costs to keep our ministries running including a full-time rector salary starting in Q2. These funds are dedicated to supporting every facet of our church life.

This year’s pledge ask is different from years past. Previously, we had separate pledge campaigns for our operating expenses and the Parish Hall debt, a byproduct of our past capital campaigns. Now, we are treating the principal and interest payments on our debt as part of our regular operating expenses. This means that the $650,000 we need to raise will be made up of the many generous pledges from all our parishioners. This streamlined approach makes it easier for our collective support to cover both our general church operations and the ongoing Parish Hall debt.

This is our total financial picture for the year:

Pledged Giving: We need to raise $650,000 in pledges from our congregation. Your pledge is the most vital and sustainable source of our revenue, allowing us to plan our ministries with confidence.
Other Giving ($110,000): This includes loose-plate offerings, memorial gifts, and other non-pledged contributions.
Other Revenue ($67,000): This revenue comes from various sources like facility rentals, investment income, and our preschool.

While we are incredibly grateful for the one-time $50,000 matching gift from the Clarks and a $175,000 grant from the Diocese of Texas, it is our annual pledges that will sustain us for the long term. These one-time gifts help us bridge the financial gap in our anniversary year, but it is our collective, consistent support that will provide the foundation upon which our church can continue to grow and serve.

With grateful hearts,

Your Stewardship Committee

Online Pledge Form