St. James’ is a medium size Episcopal Church in Southern California. For many years, during the hottest summer months, the church has moved its worship services from the beautiful church, which has no air conditioning to the parish hall which has air conditioning. Additionally, the electrical system throughout the church property is antiquated and even dangerous. The church office building has not had a way for people with disabilities to get from the first floor to the second floor.
Richard Felton was hired to help build a Capital Campaign committee and develop and implement a plan to raise $1.5 million. Felton developed the plan; crated the theme; wrote all the campaign communications and guided the committee through the process of identifying which members should receive personal visits; who would be the visitors/solicitors; what amounts should be requested. He also trained the visitors and preached a sermon on generosity during the campaign.
The campaign resulted in gifts and pledge exceeding the $1.5 million goal.
St. James' Episcopal Church
To Learn, to Love, to Live the Word of God
Several years ago our vestry discussed at length our mission as the Episcopal Church in South Pasadena. Each church has its own unique personality, charisms and call to mission. What is ours, we asked? It was an engaging and thoughtful exercise to reconsider, after a century of ministry and presence in South Pasadena, the call of God on our lives as the people of St. James’. After extensive discussion, the Vestry decided that the following would be our mission statement: “To Learn, to Love, to Live the Word of God.”
St. James’ Episcopal Church
South Pasadena, California