I have been an active member of St. Thomas Episcopal for 48 years, holding positions in the vestry, senior warden, prayer and retreat leadership. However, I most enjoyed our annual stewardship effort as it was an opportunity to deepen mine and other’s spiritual strength.
Therefore, I welcomed the decision to have experienced outside leadership help us respond generously to our capital effort. My only reservation was the amount of the individual challenge, for I thought the high number would turn off many people. I voiced my reservation strongly to the consultant at the group meeting. He responded appropriately and respectfully….so I made my pledge as generously as I sensed the Holy Spirit would approve.
You are no doubt aware how generously the St Thomas people responded! Tears came to my eyes when the number was announced….for the first time, I was overjoyed that I was wrong…way wrong!!!
Besides the Holy Spirit and Father Craig Uffman’s personal effort, the consultant made it happen and I am so thankful!!
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
Rochester, New York
703-399-0518 
info@jdklote.com 
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Carmel Lutheran Church kicked off its ‘Hearts Compelled To Share’ capital campaign in record style. As of January 25th just 73 families of the more than 900 in the church had already committed $3.75 million dollars. That total represents not only the best kickoff to a campaign at CLC, it also represents the best campaign in total even though only 8% of the congregation has pledged so far.
The previous best campaign was just four years ago when CLC collected a total of about $3 million in pledges from over 425 donors.
"Jim Klote, president of James D. Klote and Associates, a capital stewardship consulting firm based in Fall Church, VA, appears on the big screen during his "All Things New" presentation at this year's Annual Conference session. Klote and Associates will conduct free stewardship education workshops for churches in all 18 districts of the conference this fall.
Participants listen attentively during the church stewardship workshop at Wright's Chapel UMC.The Virginia Conference sponsored series of stewardship workshops in each district is winding down, with two more district gatherings remaining in November.
