Endowment Fund
May, 2006
Dear Members of Saint Andrew's:
About one year ago, on April 10, 2005 Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church celebrated its 50th anniversary. Also in April of2005 the Vestry charged the Endowment Fund Trustees to focus on the growth of the Endowment Fund. This Fund exists as a legacy for ministry and generates income for Saint Andrew's that will help diminish the financial dependence on the Diocese of Southern Ohio as Saint Andrew's fulfills her mission and ministry in Washington Court House, Fayette County and beyond. That financial dependence on the Diocese has been reduced nearly 40% over the past three years, and we are now just $22,000 per year away from financial self-sufficiency.
During the initial period of the Endowment Fund Campaign the focus was on securing donations from individuals and families that have been a part of Saint Andrew's rich history but are not currently active in the church. To date the Endowment Fund has secured pledges and raised funds totaling nearly $50,000. Beginning in 2007, the Endowment Fund will make annual contributions to the income of Saint Andrew's that will help achieve the financial goals of the church.
At this time, in addition to communicating the status of the Endowment Fund Campaign, the Trustees have elected to provide all members of Saint Andrew's the opportunity to contribute. Anyone with interest should contact one of the Trustees. We are available to answer any questions you may have about the Endowment Fund Project and we can also explain the various methods, including installment payments, by which donations may be made.
Your support for the vitality of Saint Andrew's Church and consideration of this Campaign are very much appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Ed Kuehn Robert Rea Gary Stout
Endowment Fund Campaign: 2005 and beyond
....
On April 10, 2005, Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church celebrated the 50th
anniversary of her church "home" on Highland Avenue in Washington Court
House. A full congregation participated and rejoiced as a host of memories
of the past five decades were shared ... as we renewed our vows living
into God's future. It was truly inspiring to participate in the
celebration and offer God thanksgiving for the church and so many
individuals and families who have woven Saint Andrew's rich history.
The Annual Meeting of the congregation in January 2005 charged the
Endowment Fund Trustees to focus on the growth of the Endowment Fund,
which has been in existence since 1987. The Endowment Fund exists as a
legacy for ministry and generates income for Saint Andrew's that could
diminish and soon eliminate financial dependence on the Diocese of
Southern Ohio as Saint Andrew's fulfills her mission and ministry in
Washington Court House, Fayette County, and beyond. Financial dependence
on the Diocese of Southern Ohio is not part of God's (or your Bishop's)
long-term intention for the health and vitality of Saint Andrew's Church.
That financial dependence on the Diocese has been reduced by a full third
over the past three years, and we are now just $25,000 per year away from
financial self-sufficiency! Praise God for the progress made thus far!
For the initial phase of this effort in 2005, the Endowment Fund Trustees
contacted individuals and families who have been part of the Saint
Andrew's family over the years who might wish to honor or offer a memorial
through the Endowment Fund on behalf of loved ones who are part of Saint
Andrew's history. This focus is a logical extension of the 50th
Anniversary Celebration. To date, this endeavor in 2005 has generated over
$15,000 in contributions, doubling the balance of the Endowment Fund to
approximately $30,000!
Soon, every member of the congregation will be invited to participate in
this effort, and as your Vicar I commend it to your prayers. God has
blessed Saint Andrew's Church beyond our imagination! I pray she will be
strong to fulfill her mission in God's future.
More information will be forthcoming within the next couple of months. In
the meantime, should you have any questions regarding this effort as you
prayerfully anticipate how you might participate, feel free to contact
Endowment Fund Trustees: Bob Rea (335-2226), Gary Stout (426-6461), or
Howard Miller (335-6083).
--- Fr. Steve+