Lantern Walk-Saint Martins Sunday

Grace Brought Me Here: Meet Claudia & Bill

"We believe the Christian message is more clearly expressed and lived at Grace than at any other place we've worshipped." Former Wardens Bill and Claudia Anderson cuddle up at the computer to answer some questions about their twelve-year commitment to Grace and their reasons for pledging.

Q. How many in your family?
Well, just two of us are on the rolls. But Grace has also embraced our two grandchildren. We have favorite family stories about the children's relationship with Bill Harper, their understanding of church and God, the lessons we read and tell - even coffee hour conversations that help to teach them what it is to be a Christian.

Q. What brought you to Grace, and when did you arrive?
We moved into our house on Good Friday 1998. On Easter Sunday, amid the packing boxes, I improvised Easter breakfast for family while Bill went to church. That Sunday in the Masonic Hall, Janie Ekberg made Bill feel so welcomed that we both returned for a second look. On our next visit, most of the parish was away at a retreat. But Linda Fullerton and Anne Kundtz were officiating in the basement. If anything, we were even more impressed. A third Sunday service and a visit from Bill Harper sealed the deal.

Q. What keeps you at Grace?
We were initially intrigued by the opportunity for change, the challenge, and the chance to share in the growth of a new Christian community. Now, Grace is our home, and these good people are our family.

Q. Why do you pledge?
Throughout our married lives, we've always pledged. We understand the financial needs of our church and feel called to contribute - to share. Again, this is our home and our family, and there are needs to be met.

Q. How do you decide how much to pledge?
We balance the expectations and needs of the parish with our financial outlook. Over the years we've been remarkably consistent, despite fluctuations in our economic situation and other calls on our resources.

Q. Any words of encouragement for others?
By pledging, we affirm the relationship and the importance of Grace in our lives. If all share, the burden is lightened for all.

Grace Brought Me Here:

Annual Giving 2011 Grace Brought Me Here

Our Annual Giving campaign to fund Grace's 2011 budget launched last unday, November 7. If you weren't there to pick-up your pledge packet, you should receive in the mail within the week.

Important Notes:

· If you liked online pledging last year, rejoice! We had such good feedback we're doing it again. You'll find online pledging details in your pledge packet or link here >> to pledge online.

· We'll wrap up the 2011 campaign, celebrate the ingathering of ple dges, and report the results, on Sunday, December 5.

We look forward to engaging each and every member of the parish in this important and joyful effort.

If you have any questions at any time, please get in touch!

Your Grace Giving Team