Why I Pledge to Trinity Church

Comments by  Don Knapp on October 18, 2009
Trinity on the Green, New Haven, CT

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About 35 years ago--Joan and I moved into a small community in northern New Jersey. We found and Episcopal Church, a small Episcopal church, in the next town. It wasn't long (because I raised my hand too often to volunteer) that I was invited to run for the Vestry. You might think that this seemed like a meteoric rise but if the truth be known most of the congregation were weary old timers so any fresh blood was eagerly sought after.

I tell you think story because it soon became apparent to me that St. Andrews did not have enough money to function. They raised most of their income from endeavors such as running a nursery school, holding a bazaar, holding a spaghetti dinner, etc. Then we hoped that pledges would fill in the gap--but year after year it didn't happen. These folks used so much of their energy trying to raise money that there was no energy left for program or community outreach.

It was a never ending circle:
     -Without money there was no program.
     -Without program there was no growth.
     -Without growth there was no money.

Now fast forward--if you will, about 20 years. Joan and I moved back to Connecticut and back to Trinity where I had been very much involved as a boy and young man.

The change of attitude that we found here at Trinity was amazing.

One Sunday not long after arriving here Nathan, during announcements, spoke of a group willing to help the victims of Katrina in New Orleans. I felt a jab in my ribs, about the same time Joan audible voice was saying "you could do that," well you know much of the rest of the story. But let me say, I got much more out of that trip than I gave. I came to know and love a dozen co-workers that made me a part of their lives. Joan and I had a new extended family to share joys and sorrows with.

A couple of years later, I was asked to add my name to the slate to run for Vestry.

This past summer our wards--Barbara Hedberg--spoke to the Vestry looking for help in putting together what she called "a banner Stewardship drive." Knowing how difficult it is to ask people to help in this kind of endeavor, I extended my hand and said "I'll Help." Let me tell you why I would do such a thing.

Because Trinity is A Great Church. It radiates across the city and state. It radiates through your hard work in things like our support of:
          The Chapel on the Green,
          support of a refugee family,
          support & work for St. Paul and St. James,
          our wonderful music program,
          our outreach to the community,
          the use of our facilities for AA,
          working for Habitat for Humanity,
          and the list goes on and on.

Trinity is a vibrant living Community! But--will we continue on the path? We won't without everyone's support. Yours and mine. Your support of the programs and your support of the financial needs of Trinity. 

Take it from the endowment you might say--well we can't--First the endowment is much smaller this year and secondly the returns from that source supports our building and facilities. We must provide for your yearly needs, through out personal giving, both yours and mine.

Support for Salaries, Sunday School, Choirs, Grants and Gifts for Outreach, Self Enrichment, etc.

Last year we fell short of our projected needs, and had to cut back on lots--too many things--no increases in salaries, our community outreach took a big hit, we cut back on our support to the Diocese. You can get the picture--we lost something of ourselves.

So let me close by saying
          It's involvement that makes us healthy and happy.
          Involvement that makes the beacon shine across New Haven.
          Involvement that makes us attract new families and grow.

What I am saying is
          Involvement of ourselves.
          Involvement of our time and talent.
          Involvement of our financial support.

The year ahead will be a Challenge!
          A year in which we will find the nature of ourselves.
          A year in which we will choose a new leader.
          A year in which we will find and welcome new people into our parish family.

I am standing today to ask you to consider all of these aspects as you contemplate your giving for the coming year. We just held our own last year. We can't afford to do that this year.

What I am really doing here today is to ask you to feel good about yourselves--and to think about what makes Trinity a great church.

This is why Joan and I pledge to Trinity and this is why it will be a generous gift from a happy family.