Rector's Note, 9/26/26
Dear IAC,
I want to share with you all an important development that came about during our recent Vestry Retreat: We are moving our annual Pledge Drive to take place in October this year, rather than Advent. This was requested by our Finance Committee as a way to allow IAC to hit the ground running on January 1 with a set budget, rather than finishing the Pledge process on January 1 and only then begin the work of budget formation. On the topic of tithing, let me share a few things I’m super grateful for:
1) That I only have to talk about tithing once a year!
2) For the healthy tithing culture that exists here at Incarnation, that made us self-sustaining within our first year as a mission, and enabled us to achieve parish status this May, just two years into our launch.
3) For the faithful and talented stewards that God has provided alongside me through our Vestry, our Finance Committee, and our parish Treasurer (Wes Widner).
4) For the way God has consistently provided for our needs as a parish, and enabled me to focus my energies on doing the work of mission, rather than perpetually stressing over budgets.
With that said, I invite you to begin to pray over our 2027 Pledge Drive, which will run through this October. Traditionally, a tithe is a 10% offering of whatever the Lord has blessed us with, in recognition that while we are called to faithfully steward 100% of the Lord's provision to us for the furtherance of His Kingdom, 10% of our treasures need to go to the work of our home parish, both to keep the lights on (or, in our case, pay for the rent), and to enable the proclamation of the Gospel in our own community, through the worship and life of the local church. Therefore, I ask you to prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you contribute to the work of local mission in the year ahead, and submit that as a Pledge this October. By doing this, you are helping me and the Vestry to responsibly and realistically allocate the parish’s resources in the year ahead, ensuring that no opportunities for gospel ministry are lost, and that our collective talents are put to good use in anticipation of our Lord’s return (Matt. 25:14ff). Your tithes will play a crucial role in allowing us to pursue IAC’s goals in the year ahead, particularly 1) finding a Sunday morning worship space, and 2) being able to hire an additional clergyman onto our staff. From my heart, I thank you for your partnership in the Gospel here at IAC, and for your trust in me as your Rector. (Details on how/where to submit your Pledge will be made available once we reach October.)
Lastly, our Feast and Festival for St. Michael and All Angels is tomorrow! Plan to attend and enjoy the festivities following the Liturgy. I also hope you’re able to bring something to contribute to our First Responders care packages (St. Michael is the patron saint of law enforcement). I’ll bless and deliver the care packages to local police/sheriff precincts and fire stations next week, as gifts from the parish.
See you tomorrow!
Grace and Peace,
Fr. Spencer+
Dear IAC,
I want to share with you all an important development that came about during our recent Vestry Retreat: We are moving our annual Pledge Drive to take place in October this year, rather than Advent. This was requested by our Finance Committee as a way to allow IAC to hit the ground running on January 1 with a set budget, rather than finishing the Pledge process on January 1 and only then begin the work of budget formation. On the topic of tithing, let me share a few things I’m super grateful for:
1) That I only have to talk about tithing once a year!
2) For the healthy tithing culture that exists here at Incarnation, that made us self-sustaining within our first year as a mission, and enabled us to achieve parish status this May, just two years into our launch.
3) For the faithful and talented stewards that God has provided alongside me through our Vestry, our Finance Committee, and our parish Treasurer (Wes Widner).
4) For the way God has consistently provided for our needs as a parish, and enabled me to focus my energies on doing the work of mission, rather than perpetually stressing over budgets.
With that said, I invite you to begin to pray over our 2027 Pledge Drive, which will run through this October. Traditionally, a tithe is a 10% offering of whatever the Lord has blessed us with, in recognition that while we are called to faithfully steward 100% of the Lord's provision to us for the furtherance of His Kingdom, 10% of our treasures need to go to the work of our home parish, both to keep the lights on (or, in our case, pay for the rent), and to enable the proclamation of the Gospel in our own community, through the worship and life of the local church. Therefore, I ask you to prayerfully consider what the Lord would have you contribute to the work of local mission in the year ahead, and submit that as a Pledge this October. By doing this, you are helping me and the Vestry to responsibly and realistically allocate the parish’s resources in the year ahead, ensuring that no opportunities for gospel ministry are lost, and that our collective talents are put to good use in anticipation of our Lord’s return (Matt. 25:14ff). Your tithes will play a crucial role in allowing us to pursue IAC’s goals in the year ahead, particularly 1) finding a Sunday morning worship space, and 2) being able to hire an additional clergyman onto our staff. From my heart, I thank you for your partnership in the Gospel here at IAC, and for your trust in me as your Rector. (Details on how/where to submit your Pledge will be made available once we reach October.)
Lastly, our Feast and Festival for St. Michael and All Angels is tomorrow! Plan to attend and enjoy the festivities following the Liturgy. I also hope you’re able to bring something to contribute to our First Responders care packages (St. Michael is the patron saint of law enforcement). I’ll bless and deliver the care packages to local police/sheriff precincts and fire stations next week, as gifts from the parish.
See you tomorrow!
Grace and Peace,
Fr. Spencer+