July 13, 2021
Dear Friends,
“And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something– now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means.” 2 Corinthians 8:10-11
Laughs were audible from the gathered congregation and visible on the faces of those attending the service on Zoom on June 29 when this passage was read in the service. We always try to engage with scripture expecting that God has something to say to us for our life in the present moment…but the message does not always hit so close to home. As a community we did desire to start a capital campaign in 2020, and while we used the closed building to do much needed work, we are eager to begin again.
We are writing to request a few minutes of your valuable time. As a member of our congregation you are receiving this survey and your e-mail will not be shared or used except for the purpose of this Feasibility Study to ascertain the willingness of church members to support a capital campaign. The views and comments of members of the church family about the proposed projects are important and we are relying on you to help determine whether a campaign will be a success.
In this document you will be able to view the tentative plans that have been prepared after much work and the input of many. After reading the case statement, will you please donate 15 minutes of your time to complete the questionnaire that follows? All replies are sent confidentially to the Core Capital Campaigns Study Coordinator. Please complete the survey by July 26, 2021.
You should receive only one questionnaire per household. If you should receive more than one, please only reply once. Also DO NOT forward your link to anyone. Your link is unique to your email.
Enclosed are the tentative plans that have been prepared after many months of work and the input of many. After reading this material, please complete the enclosed questionnaire and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. All replies are confidential. It is important that your response is returned by July 26, 2021.
You should receive only one questionnaire per household. If you should receive more than one, please only reply once.
If you should have questions, please call Lisa Krappman at 773.725.9026.
I leave you with more of St. Paul’s words, absolutely appropriate to this feasibility study.
“For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has– not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance.” 2 Corinthians 8:12-14
Thank you for taking your precious time to help us discern St. John’s future direction.
God’s Blessings,
The Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer, Rector
Ms. Khara Gonzales, Senior Warden
