Stewardship

Giving

Our membership has understood and embraced this increased financial need. From the years 2000 to 2006 annual giving at Grace has increased in both the number and size of gifts. The number of people pledging to the church during that time period increased by 52 to 239, while the amount pledged has increased by over $300,000 to $534,000 representing an increase of 124%. The individual pledge amounts vary widely, but we are not dependent on any one exceedingly large donor; in fact, no one pledge in our annual campaign accounts for 5% of the total. We are also fortunate by collecting virtually 100% of pledged amounts. Certain of our members who are not comfortable making an annual pledge still generously support the church. Non-pledged gifts annually exceed $30,000. Contact: Alice Porter

Endowment Fund

The Grace Episcopal Church Endowment Fund, established May 10, 1991, is a separately incorporated charitable support organization and is directed by a board of directors appointed by the Vestry. The fund makes regular distributions to the Church based on a spending rule formula and the Vestry uses the money in its discretion for non-operating budget uses, such as Outreach and Asset Replacement. The Endowment Fund has been built up by lifetime and testamentary gifts from Church members. We welcome cash and non-cash donations and memorials. As the fund grows, so does the income the church receives.

The Vestry elects the Endowment Fund"s Board of Directors. The current board includes these members:
Bob Brower
Louise "Punky" Edison
Beth Hamm
Bruce Johnson
David Hunting
Jan Malpass
Alice Porter
Mike Redman
Roger Warnshuis
Stephen Wert
The Grace Church Rector sits on the board along with representatives of Northern Trust Bank.

For more information, contact any of the members above. For more information about including the Grace Church Endowment Fund in your estate plan, click here.

Finance

Our Finance Committee develops our annual operating budget (which in 2006 was in excess of $700,000) and monitors it on a monthly basis. The CommitteeÕs goal is to maintain fiscal discipline that balances the needs and desires of the parish against the realities of the actual funds available to us at any point in time. The Committee reports and makes recommendations to the Vestry as well as the entire congregation at our annual meetings. Contact: Mike Redmond

Building & Grounds

This team ensure that the physical plant and surrounding property of Grace Episcopal Church are cared for and well maintained. Contact: Louise ÒPunkyÓ Edison

Administration

Our Administration Team is comprised of members of the congregation who have legal, insurance and other professional backgrounds and is charged with the review of church contracts, employee benefits and other legal issues. Contact: Tom TerMaat

Technology

Our Technology Committee planned, implemented and monitors the churchÕs computer system and software. Their work enables the Grace lay leaders and staff to more effectively deal with day-to-day operations, as well as our anticipated growth. Contact: Maureen Oostendorp