A legacy of faith

    Gloria Hartman was a beloved member of St. Paul’s church for over 60 years. It’s safe to say she served in almost every role a layperson could.  For over twenty years she served as church treasurer - which is probably one of the most time consuming and challenging roles there is!  Just ask Kim Boelling, our current treasurer, she’ll tell you.
     When Gloria died in July, her personal service to St. Paul’s ended. However, she left a lasting gift through a bequest of just under $200,000. This bequest is a tremendous blessing for St. Paul’s.
      A portion of this money was designated for installing solar panels on our flat roof. Another portion was given to install a sound system in the sanctuary.  For the timebeing, the bequest will be placed in our Diocesan Investment Trust (DIT). The income from the interest on our DIT funds already supports the parish $40,000 a year.  With the additional interest generated from this bequest, we may, by the end of 2020 be able to add another $3 - 5,000 to General Fund income.
I have two things to say about this:

1. If you are like me, when you hear that the church just got a big chunk of money, you will think, “Yay, now I don’t have to give to the church.”  I correct myself as I challenge you, this money is being invested so that it can give us interest income for the long haul. It’s a wonderful gift, but it won’t sustain St. Paul’s financially - we will.
2. St. Paul’s has  been living in deficit mode for many years to the tune of about $30K each year.  If we increase our pledges by $5,000 this year, we will be able to significantly decrease the deficit gap.  Combining the interest from Gloria Hartman’s bequest, and our increased pledges will accomplish this.  Together, we can do it!

     I am so grateful to Gloria for her commitment to this parish and her deep love for us as reflected in her generosity.  Let’s dream big, give big, and step forward in faith together!
                                                               -- Pastor Rebecca Ragland

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