The Rev’d Richard Gressle
rgressle@gracechurchnyack.org
845.3581297
845.3581443 [f]

September 13, 2009

Good People:

The very nice part of writing a letter to introduce the Fall pledge campaign at Grace Episcopal Church is that I do not have to ask you to do something you would not do anyway. I do not have to 'sell' you on quality worship services with four choirs to support us and a clergy staff with a high regard for preaching the Gospel. I do not have to persuade you that a diverse community of Faith is where one grows in knowledge of what it means to live the Way of Jesus. I do not have to cajole anyone into making a pledge for the support of Twelve Step Programs, or sheltering and feeding the homeless. I do not have to rail on about the importance of the spiritual formation program offered for adults and young people. I do not have to explain the variety of pastoral support extended to the parish and the community through the volunteers and clergy, the wonderful 'holy' space for weddings and baptisms, and yes, funerals. I don't have to mention the quality church school staffed by volunteers and providing for the next generation of Christian witness. No, no sales job. You either like what's here or you're shopping elsewhere for the church that's right for you.

Unlike the rest of the consumer culture in which we all live, Grace Church does not charge admission for entrance or tuition to learn about the grace of God. We ask everyone who wants to be part of this community of Faith to pledge something to support this unique institution. Benchmark? It costs the parish $16.00 per person per week to support the program we have. Alternately, some people pledge a tithe -- 10% of their income -- to the parish. The lay leadership, the vestry, has increased their pledge by more than 15% for 2010: can you join them?

I cannot sell anyone the grace of God or the love of Christ, but I can ask you to support the place where this happens again and again to those who are committed to the Way and who show their support through a pledge.

May you see many Blessings, Richard+

PLEASE PRINT OUT PLEDGE CARD AND/OR AUTHORIZATION FORM, COMPLETE AND RETURN TO US AT: 
Grace Church, 130 First Avenue, Nyack, NY  10960

CLICK HERE for Pledge Card

CLICK HERE for Credit Card/E-Pledge Authorization Materials

or CLICK HERE to send us an email.