a note on stewardship and pledging
To Our Valued Parishioners:
Our Church community has not stopped working because our doors are closed. We are making efforts to help individuals directly as well as by sending donations to support our local Food Pantries and community organizations providing childcare to essential workers. If you have any ideas to share or know any needs where we can help, please contact Rev. Brunelle, Rev. Lambert, Holly Whitmore, or Tara Brinka in the church office.
Unfortunately, we are unable to celebrate Holy Week and Easter in our usual wonderful manner. This is usually a time of high attendance and support for St. Luke’s. There are also a lot of different scheduled events (meetings, weddings, and private event bookings) which have had to be canceled in the interests of public safety. Of course, St. Luke’s priority is the health and safety of all our members and friends, but there’s no denying that the loss of revenue from these events will make an impact on our mission.
Thank you to those who have been mailing in pledge offerings, and contributing online to keep up with your pledges. It is appreciated, as of course our expenses still need to be paid. We are intentionally keeping our staff on payroll during this time as part of our taking care of those who give of their time to help us in so many ways. Our treasurer and administrator are looking into seeing if we are able to receive some of the loan/grant money from the SBA in the recent fund bill. It seems like we are able to apply so that will help us get through some of this crisis.
We know some of you were laid off, or terminated during this pandemic. Can we help you? If you are someone who is still able to help us financially and are unfamiliar with methods of fulfilling your pledge by electronic means, please visit our website, www.stlukeseasthampton.org, or contact Tara Brinka by email at tower18@stlukeseasthampton.org and she will give you a call to talk you through different options. Of course, I will assist as best I can if you’d like to contact me.
Thank you again for your support. In unprecedented times like these, it is more important than ever to keep the faith flame burning.
With deep appreciation,
Dianne Benson
Stewardship Chair
dianneb724@icloud.com
631-324-1126
