ST. ALBAN'S ANNUAL GIVING 2027
Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest.
- Proverbs 3:9
The St. Alban's 2027 Annual Giving Campaign, A Chorus of Generosity, is underway!
If you would like to submit your pledge online, you can do so in REALM once logged in. Otherwise, you can submit your pledge card by dropping it by the church or mailing it to 301 Caldwell Lane Davidson, NC 28036. Please do so by Sunday, November 15 to be included in the acknowledgment list published on GRATITUDE SUNDAY, November 22, 2026.
Dear St. Alban’s,
Growing up as the daughter of a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee means that music is in my blood. Whether I’m humming along with Johnny Cash in the car, or dancing in my kitchen to Beyonce, or turning my radio dial to WDAV to catch the choir of King’s College, Cambridge sing Lessons & Carols while I wrap gifts on Christmas Eve morning—music is one of the ways God speaks directly to my soul.
Music is a powerful force in our lives. It helps us celebrate, mourn, reflect, and feel the wonder and struggle of being alive. At its best, it can be transcendent, allowing us to tap into God’s presence. This Annual Giving season, we will be exploring the theme of music, and how it is a fitting metaphor for our common life at St. Alban’s.
Communities of faith are one of the few places where people still sing together, and St. Alban’s is no exception. Through our hymns, chanted prayers, and choir anthems, we make lovely music together. But I’d go even farther: whenever we gather for worship, study, outreach, or fellowship, we ARE music. Through our shared ministries, we become a beautiful harmony that is bigger and more beautiful than if we were doing these things solo.
My very favorite music is the kind we become when we lean into Christlike love. Together, as the church, we are a chorus of generosity, supporting each other, our community, and God’s wider world.
Filling out the pledge card is one important way that you can be part of this “chorus of generosity” at St. Alban’s. As we plan for 2027, our parish has needs you can help meet and dreams you can help bring to fruition through your financial contributions. In the last couple of years, we have made significant progress in growing our Outreach budget, and we intend to continue spreading God’s love and compassion throughout our community with your help. And of course, we want to retain our incredible staff, who bless us beyond measure.
On November 22, we'll celebrate during our annual Gratitude Sunday, when we offer our thanks to God and to all who have made a pledge for the coming year. Please make sure your pledge is in by November 15 so that we can include your name in our acknowledgment list.
Thank you for lifting up your voice and joining the chorus of generosity, and most of all, for making the melodies of faith part of your life and mine – for the love of God and neighbor.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Carmen Germino, Rector
p.s. This Annual Giving season, you’re invited to practice generosity in all kinds of ways – and not just with your bank account. The “30 Day Challenge” below offers simple, daily prompts to grow in gratitude, kindness, and joy. Give it a try!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a heartfelt, documented financial commitment to the ministry and well-being of St. Alban’s.
What’s wrong with just putting money in the collection plate?
St. Alban’s is grateful for all financial contributions, but pledges provide the Vestry with the expected income information that is essential to preparing our annual budget. St. Alban’s simply cannot operate and thrive without a reasonable estimate of its financial resources. And your pledge reinforces the importance of God and St. Alban’s in your life.
How much should I pledge?
The amount, of course, is a personal decision, but it should be grounded in your faith and commitment to the church’s ongoing work of building God’s kingdom. Scripture lifts up the tithe (ten percent of one’s income) as the aspirational giving level. We urge everyone to aspire to that goal, while we understand that reaching such a goal is a process. Regardless of the size, we hope you will make St. Alban’s your primary philanthropic priority. Your pledge should not be an afterthought or a casual decision.
Is my pledge confidential?
Yes. We will publicly thank (by name) all who pledge to St. Alban’s, but only a handful of necessary people know the actual amounts of individual commitments.
When should I pledge?
We have condensed the pledging season this year. We begin in early November and will conclude with Gratitude Sunday on November 22, when we will ask God’s blessing upon all the pledges we have received for 2027. Pledges received by November 15 will be included in the acknowledgement list shared on Gratitude Sunday. Of course, new pledges are also welcomed and appreciated after November 22 and throughout the year.
What if my situation changes and I cannot fulfill my pledge?
We understand that life’s circumstances do change, often unexpectedly. In this case, please alert the finance director, so that our records can be amended and the clergy can respond with pastoral care as needed.
How can I pay my pledge?
There are several convenient ways to honor your pledge:
-Make regular payments by check.
-Use your bank’s online bill paying system and set up regular monthly or other periodic payments directly to the church.
-Use appreciated stocks, donor adviser funds or IRA payouts to pay your pledge. (If you are over 70 1⁄2 years of age, your IRA payouts should be fully tax-deductible). In either case, please alert the finance director to ensure that your pledge payment is properly credited.
What else should I consider as I determine my pledge?
Prayer. We are members of St. Alban’s because of our love and commitment to Christ, so don’t forget to ask for God’s help to guide you. Your life's blessings. Your pledge is a response of gratitude and joy for all you have been given. St. Alban's impact on your life. Is it the liturgy, our service to others in the community and the world, our life-long Christian education, the music, or the fellowship and fun? All of these things are made possible by our pledges. St. Alban's is not just another charity. We all give to worthy causes, but the church is more than a non-profit. We are a family. We are God’s family. Your pledge is an affirmation of your faith and commitment to ensure the vitality of our parish, as we have done since 1956.
Who do I contact with questions?
You may call or email our Financial Director, Erin Garrett, at erin@saintalbansdavidson.org.