Dear ,

"We give thanks for all those who have yet to walk through our doors."

I hear this phrase Sunday after Sunday here at All Saints' and I wonder...

What are they looking for?

What will we offer them?

Caring and communion? Perhaps.  

I believe we offer a safety net.

It is a safety net woven from a devoted faith within All Saints' and cast as far as South Sudan.

At times, the safety net that is All Saints' can be obvious; at other times, the net is obscure; yet its support and strength can always be felt.

It supports our parish family...

In Sunday School, as our children are encouraged to explore their faith journey, their purpose and are given the opportunity enact God's love during an RCS Family Night or other youth-led outreach efforts. And during times of need, when our Care Ministry delivers a meal or offers a ride.

It supports our neighbors near and far...

Every Tuesday night, we provide communion, a warm meal and the blessing of companionship for the hungry and lonely. Although need has risen more than 35% over the past few years, All Saints' and RCS continue to care for our neighbors. Our Justice Circle raises awareness about root causes of injustice in our community and the wider world and provides opportunities to turn awareness into action for change.

It supports the residents of New Orleans....

Our All Saints' Katrina Response Task Force has become an enduring presence, traveling more than 11 times to New Orleans. The Bayou residents now have faith they will not be forgotten; they know our Task Force will return and continue to help restore their homes.

It supports healthcare, education and infrastructure in South Sudan ...

In 2004, a youth-led team at All Saints' combined a few cups of flour, some eggs, sugar, and faith to help underwrite the cost of medical care for Sudanese refugee, Elizabeth Lueth. During the past seven years, we have contributed more than $76K assisting residents of Renk and North Geiger to move toward increased self-sufficiency.

And, it supports each one of us on our faith journey....

As we examine our faith through Adult Education or find new meaning in a musical offering, we can do so with confidence: All Saints' is a wellspring of faith grounded in ritual, pushing and shaping our beliefs through its challenging theology.

All Saints' is many things to many people. To be many things to many people is costly.

It takes volunteers and human resources.

It takes staff to lead the effort

It takes a building to house worship and programs throughout the week.

It takes approximately $450K.

And while planning can take place in the abstract, without consideration or prediction of pledges and promised income, it is a horribly insecure place to be.

That is working without a net.

So, now it is my turn and my privilege to help weave a safety net for our church.

To be overt and not anonymous.

I have made my pledge. It is my tangible way of saying I care and I will support All Saints: our staff, our buildings, and most of all, our mission and ministry.

I encourage you to make your pledge today by clicking the button below, filling out the form and clicking "Submit."  

If you're interested in more information about the pledging process and what your pledge supports, take a look at this informative list of frequently asked questions.

Peace and Blessings,

Clare Kunkel

All Saints' Parishioner and Vestry Member