Dear Siblings in Christ,
​
On a typical weekend, you can find half a dozen different organizations operating out of St. Stephen and the Incarnation. People serve hot meals to our neighbors, pack up diapers and formula for families in need, advocate for various causes, and we as a church come together to learn, worship, and pray.
Recently, this hum of good work has taken on a new urgency as people in our community have been deeply impacted by the policies of this governmental administration. There are new needs, but also new fears and anxieties. While this year has brought unforeseen challenges to our church, it has also demonstrated what an incredible, resilient and supportive community we have here at Saint Stephen’s. For many of us, St. Stephen’s serves as a sanctuary – providing strength, solace, and comfort, enabling us to fill our cups and go back into the world to continue doing God’s work.
We are committed to being a refuge and prophetic presence in our community, now and in the future. As we look ahead to the next year, we need to raise $330,000 to continue our parish’s ministry, including the work of our rector and staff, and to maintain St. Stephen’s physical space. This money keeps the lights on, floors cleaned, and temperature controlled as we continue our work in our community. Your pledge is a commitment to maintain St. Stephen’s as the sanctuary it has been for so many of us into and through the coming year.
We are grateful for your previous giving to the church. Will you pledge your next year’s giving so we can better plan the budget for the year ahead? Please consider increasing your giving in 2026 to help us to meet increasing expenses and offset others who are facing job loss or economic uncertainty.
Pledge by October 26th, 2025: tinyurl.com/SSIPledge2026 or using a paper form in church.
We recognize that this is a difficult time as many grapple with job loss or economic uncertainty. The pledge form also offers options to pledge your time and talents to support the work of the church; we encourage you to contribute both financially and with your skillset.
There are always things that need to be done at the church or new ideas to explore. Whether you have knowledge of finances or home repair, love to garden or plan parties, or have a
secret talent you're dying to share, we'd love to know how we can plug your specific gifts
into the life of our church.
We are grateful for the multitude of ways you provide for and support this community, and are thankful for your presence!
With hope and commitment,
The Stewardship Committee
Why I came to St. Stephen's...
I...found the church I didn't know I needed. A church where I fully belonged, where my kids could belong, where we as a family belonged...SSI is the one place that unexpectedly, wonderfully, felt like coming home.
...and why I support it:
I don't take for granted what a blessing it is to have
found this place. This small congregation in this beautiful, rickety, old building is the keeper of a
particular tradition and revelation of the kingdom in this city, a very precious treasure in a very
fragile clay jar. And I want to help keep that treasure and fan back into flames that gift...so that those others in the D.C. area who need this church can find it and find a home here too.
- Liz Foster, a member of St. Stephen's
Why I come to St. Stephen's...
I come to this place for community, to remember
that I am not alone in the Universe. That the world is larger than my own problems. That I have
God, and I have friends to help me through...I formed deep community here, based on shared interests and values.
...and why I support it:
Every gift - financial and otherwise - that I have given to this place has been a source of growth for me. How might God help you grow into yourself with your next step of faith? Is it your development as a leader? Your creative and artistic talents? Is it gratitude and generosity through service to others and financial giving? I think God often wonders what we will do.
- John Linn, a member of St. Stephen's
