An article from the Cathedral Times
by The Very Reverend Sam G. Candler
[The following is a letter I sent recently to all those who contributed last year to God's work through the Cathedral of St. Philip. But the world needs to read it, too!]
Dear Benefactors,
I know that our culture usually reserves the term "benefactor" for the really wealthy people among us. Our culture recognizes "benefactors" who give so much money to organizations that buildings are named after them! All that is well and good.
However, we are different here at the Cathedral of St. Philip. I believe that a "benefactor" is anyone who contributes, any amount, to the mission and ministry of God through the Cathedral of St. Philip annual operating fund. The Cathedral exists to serve Christ, to reconcile God and the world, and be a witness for good in the world.
The word "benefactor" means, literally, a "doer of good." Therefore, if you have given of your time and resources at the Cathedral, you are a true benefactor. You are doing good in the world! In fact, your pledge and gift to the Cathedral is not like being part of a club, where you are then rewarded with certain privileges and rights. Your gift and pledge are really enabling you to participate more fully in God's work in the world. In short, giving is its own reward; it is actually a thrill to be doing good in the world, instead of taking from the world.
Thanks to you benefactors, the Cathedral of St. Philip ended the 2009 year with a balanced financial sheet. As you know, the Cathedral needed over $845,000 in December in order to end the year in the black. And we did it. You did it. Thanks be to God! (Do note this: Our total revenue for 2009 was some $200,000 below that of 2008, but we have been steadily reducing expenses here in a number of ways, as I have written before. That is how we ended the 2009 year just in the black.)
In short, your beneficence has enabled the Cathedral of St. Philip to continue its witness for good in the world. Our services and missions are enlivened through your good work. Our classes and studies are staffed through your work. Our liturgies and musical offerings are excellent through your good work.
You were a true "benefactor" in 2009. You did good work. Thank you!
And thanks be to God!
P.S. - We are still receiving very generous financial pledges for this year, 2010, but we need 500 more pledges. We need yours!