Hello Dear friends and families of St. Francis,

As you have heard in celebration and the newsletter, our 2026 Pledge Drive has commenced. This is when we ask you about your plan of giving for the coming year. Your giving determines our budget for 2026.

Yes, we had a recent windfall donation to the church, the Balmer Fund. This is a first for St. Francis – a dream realized. For years we have survived year- to-year, floating in and out of the red, dependent on Angels in the congregation to keep us going. Those angels, we must never forget. They are part of who we are.

The Balmer bequest has been wisely invested and a portion has been committed to the general budget to help us catch up on many deferred maintenance projects, to bolster some of our current programs and provide some staff raises. Prudent dispersal of our investments will ensure that the account does not dwindle to nothing.

As we reap the benefits of this new income source, we must stay the course with our personal giving so that our investments are used for enhancements and not just keeping the lights on. It takes a great deal of energy, time, and money to run St. Francis.

So, what can you do?
Pledge! Then follow through.

You know what your financial situation is. No one can tell you what you can afford (what
to pledge.) I will ask you to look into your heart while you peer into your wallet. Consider how St. Francis impacts your life and consider how making a regular gift might strengthen your spiritual life. If you can give us a raise this year, I will personally sing you a “Halleluia.”

With the memories of those who came before, who invested their wealth, their wisdom and their spirit, we honor them by remembering their gifts, acknowledging their contributions, and building on the shoulders of their dreams for a better future. We add our gifts to theirs, continuing what was started and remaining hopeful that tomorrow will be strong, caring, and inspiring. We do this humbly and with earnest hearts.

Your Financial Secretary,
Linda Whitten