Why I Pledge to Trinity Church
Comments by Allan and Sara Stadler
Trinity on the Green, New Haven, CT
We, Allan and Sara Stadler, have a long history with Trinity Church. We joined the Church in 1982, and have been actively involved ever since. Our children attended the Sunday school and participated in the Christmas Pageant. As teenagers, our children were active in Trinity's Youth Group. Besides attending services, either Allan or I have served on the Vestry, the Properties Committee, the Investment Committee, the Finance Commission, Trinity Singers and Altar Guild.
Clearly, Trinity Church has had a sustaining role in our lives. There have been times over the years, when we were recovering from surgery in the hospital or grieving from the loss of beloved parents, that we have sought and received the support and empathy provided by one or more of Trinity's clergy.
The friendships that we have made at Trinity, through participating in some of its activities and programs, such as Trinity Singers, Altar Guild, the Gifts Course and the Supper Clubs, have been invaluable to us. Indeed, there seems to be an aura of love and kindness among the members of this Church that is difficult to find outside in the working world.
We cannot speak of our love for Trinity without mentioning the outstanding music program. Those of us who sing in one of its choirs know how inspirational that experience is. For a church its size, Trinity is unique in the high quality of music performed here.
To maintain the quality and enhance the vitality and growth of this unique and special Church, Allan and I feel it is important to pledge each year, even when it is difficult economically.
As you know, Trinity Church has an endowment, which helps to support some of the programs of the Church, from the music program to Trinity's outreach programs, such as Chapel on the Green. Unfortunately, Trinity's endowment, like our individual savings, has been severely diminished in the past two years because of the drop in the stock market.
We believe that it is crucial for our Church to maintain the level of activities, programs and staffing that we now enjoy without being compelled to further reduce the endowment. The only way that we can do that is to pledge a little more than last year. If each of us increased our pledge by at least 10%, programs and staff would not have to face cuts next year and our endowment would not be further diminished. Allan and I plan to increase our pledge for next year and we hope that you will join us.