A Letter to the Congregation...passed out this Sunday

Dear Good Shepherd,

This is our first Sunday at what used to be St. Andrew's Catholic Church. As many of you know, we hope this will be our permanent location.

That depends first and foremost on God's grace and his purpose for Good Shepherd. But secondly, it depends on you. The listed sale price for the entire St. Andrew's complex is $720,000.00. That is a big number.

This Friday, another interested buyer accompanied by a REMAX realtor toured the St. Andrew's buildings with a Century 21 realtor. That means, at the very least, that other churches are interested in this building...it could mean that we will be in a competition to purchase the property.

This is not the time to sit on our hands. If you have not done so already, now is the time to commit to supporting the capital campaign to raise money to buy St. Andrew's.

The vestry has appointed a team to work out the financial options and to negotiate with the Catholic diocese of Syracuse. We hope to open negotiations this week.

Please pray for God's favor in this process of negotiation and please commit to the capital campaign.

I don't often ask for financial support. I hate doing it. But I hope you'll forgive me at this point and time and recognize the necessity of this letter.

I am asking all who are financially able to sign a capital campaign commitment card.

If you don't feel comfortable signing a pledge card or making a verbal commitment, you can always send checks or money orders by mail to:

Capital Campaign
St. Matthias c/o Good Shepherd Anglican
PO Box 125
Binghamton, NY 13903

Don't feel bad or guilty if you are unable to support us at this time financially. Your participation in the body of the church and your prayers are far more important than your money...I don't know, don't ask, and don't care find out anything about your personal financial commitments. I am writing in broad and general terms to the whole congregation.

I love you all. I am so happy to be your pastor and I look forward to worshiping with you at St. Andrew's for many more years of Sundays.

In Christ,
Matt

The Rev. Matt Kennedy
Rector, The Church of the Good Shepherd
Binghamton, NY 13903