We are two weeks into our four-week focus group period, and I had to write to give you an update. My senior warden and I had one of those unforgettable moments during our first weekend when we looked at each other with one of those looks that says, We could never have done 90% of the stuff that our consultant is getting done for, with, and through us. We’re so glad we chose JDKlote. The consultant is meticulous, well-organized, upbeat, humorous, driven, focused, gregarious, and thoroughly professional. Folks have commented on the polish and thoroughness of our presentations and I’ve been more than pleased by both the planning and the data analysis. I’s way too soon to tell if our efforts will bear the fruit we hope to see, but so far the outlook is optimistic, and we are thrilled to have partnered with JD Klote.
Blessings,
Rector
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
Rochester, New York
703-399-0518
info@jdklote.com 



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.
