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[Back to index of April 2008 articles] Fifth Annual Bishop's Appeal Is Launched
Washington Window
In the photograph, Bishop John Bryson Chane stands in cope and miter, arms spread wide, welcoming an unseen congregation. The image is framed by the words: Where would we be without you? That question—emblazoned on brochures that will be mailed this month—is the theme of the fifth annual Bishop's Appeal. The appeal is sent to recipients of the Washington Window, and last year raised more than $117,000. In previous appeals, the diocese has stressed the importance of outreach ministries to Latino and collegiate populations, but this effort focuses on the support and services that the diocese and its members provide to one another. "Perhaps your parish has received guidance in finding a new rector, or help with its Web site or its cyber-security," writes Chane in a letter accompanying the brochure. "Perhaps your son or daughter has taken part in one of our many youth events. … Or maybe you have come to count on the Washington Window, Episcopal Café, and the diocesan Web site to keep you up to date on developments within our Church and our culture. Each of these vital ministries is evidence of a fact that many would deny: that an inclusive, open-hearted Christianity—captive to neither secularists, nor fundamentalists—can flourish in our ideologically-divided world. This is the distinctive witness of our diocese, a witness that runs counter to the conventional wisdom that thinking people do not believe and believing people do not think. "The strength of this witness," he adds, "depends heavily upon your generosity." The mailing includes a return envelope, and an opportunity to request additional information about planned giving. Donors also can contribute online through a link on the diocesan Web site (edow.org). The diocese's $4.68 million operating budget is supported primarily by contributions from its congregations and by income—but never principal—from the Ruth Gregory Soper Memorial Trust. The Diocesan Convention requests that parish contribute 10 percent of their normal operating income to the diocesan budget, but the average contribution is approximately 7 percent. The Bishop's Appeal was created in 2004 to allow parishioners, and other interested parties, to contribute directly to the support of the diocese. "We are hoping to raise more money this year than last," said Jim Naughton, the diocese's canon for communications and advancement. "We've become more professional in our record-keeping, more intentional in expressing our gratitude and more diligent about staying in touch with people." Last month Chane held a dinner organized by development consultant Lucy Bremner for families and individuals who had contributed more than $1,000 to the appeal. "It was our opportunity to say thank you," Bremner said, "and their opportunity to explain to us what moved them to support the diocese and its work." [Back to index of April 2008 articles]
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