We will send out progress reports in the weekly notices, pulpit announcements, and on the parish website and social media. We will also have exterior signage and a display in the parish, near the welcome desk. Look for our Visiting Tree and Campaign Thermometer to see the Campaign progress on the website or in the parish near the Welcome Table.
Yes. We invite all parishioners to make a proportionate gift (above their annual offerings) in accordance with their income and as an expression of their faith and commitment to the parish. If a monetary gift is unrealistic, we are grateful for the gift of your prayers for the success of the campaign.
Yes. We handle all donations in strictest confidence. The Campaign Treasurer, deputy Treasurer, and the campaign consultants, M & M International will have access to the pledge amounts.
Spreading your contribution over five years can help us to achieve our goals without making this year's contribution a challenging financial burden. It will also help the parish plan, by giving us an idea of what you may be able to contribute in the years to come.
Consider a meaningful and proportionate personal donation above your regular weekly offerings. It should align with your financial ability to give. A Guideline has been provided on the pledge card for your prayerful consideration.
Yes. Your campaign contribution would be over and above your regular offering, as the funds are for two different things. We do not want you to have to reduce your ongoing support to our ongoing ministry in order to give to the Campaign. Tax receipts will be provided for all your contributions to St. James’ as appropriate.
Yes. Pledges are not legally binding and are only an expression of your intention. You can change your gift at any time by emailing the Campaign Treasurer at (growingrace@stjamesstratford.ca), or by calling the parish office at (519) 271-3572.
Yes. We accept gifts of publicly traded securities (stocks or other marketable securities), annuities, gifts of personal property, life insurance, and other planned gifts. For more information see our Planned Giving Brochure or email Campaign Treasurer at (growingrace@stjamesstratford.ca) or by calling the parish office at (519) 271-3572.
Income tax receipts will be included with other Church donations in a receipt issued in early February of the following calendar year. On the receipt, the Campaign gift amount will be separately identified.
All campaign revenues and expenditures will be tracked as a separate fund, allowing for the reporting of separate revenues and expenditures. While St. James’ annual audited financial statements will consolidate Campaign finances with all other Church transactions, a Supplemental Statement will present full detail of the Campaign revenues and expenditures.
Visits may be virtual or in-person. The Ambassador visiting you will give you a package that provides details on the Campaign. The Ambassador will not tell you what you should give, and they will not ask you for money, they will ask you to prayerfully consider a gift. Campaign visits are about answering your questions about the Campaign, and they are also about building community and getting to know each other as parishioners outside of the church setting. Through these visits, we will learn more about each other, what we are passionate about supporting, and what impact we would like to see in our community.
Campaign Ambassadors will only visit parishioners who agree to it. That said, it is our hope that everyone will want a visit as the goal is to build community between each other as parishioners of St. James. There will be no pressure or discussion of what you should give - only that they will ask for prayerful consideration of support. If you do not wish to receive a visit, email us at growingrace@stjamesstratford.ca, or let the Ambassador know when they reach out to you to arrange a visit.
After putting your pledge card into the confidential envelope, you can either place it through regular mail (after putting a stamp on it), or you can leave it in the church mailbox, offertory plate or – at the church office.
We are open to hearing about requests for recognition as appropriate. Please contact the campaign committee by emailing us at growingrace@stjamesstratford.ca. or speak to your campaign ambassador or one of the team members and the committee will consider your request.
We are very grateful to Lois Webb for her support of the parish and her generous gift in her will and through her foundation which has enabled us to maintain and repair the building.
For more info and updates about the campaign visit: https://www.stjamesstratford.ca/grow-in-grace-campaign