Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

The financial aspects of stewardship at the Chapel of the Cross are led by the Stewardship Formation Committee. This committee oversees the work of three separate committees of which the Special Giving Committee is one. The other two are the Annual Giving Committee and the Capital Giving Committee.

In July of this year, the vestry approved a new charge for this committee. The committee has four significant responsibilities. First, it is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a long-term planned giving program for the parish. Second, the committee, in consultation with the staff, parish leaders, and with the consent of the vestry, is to develop and maintain a list of desirable designated gifts (i.e., a wish list) and to communicate these opportunities to the members of the parish. Third, the committee is charged with reviewing the suitability of proposed designated gifts that have not been approved by the vestry and making recommendations to the vestry. Finally, the committee is to assist on occasion with raising funds for distinct special projects.

In its effort to develop a sustained planned giving program for the parish, the committee has examined the terms of the current endowments and other existing special funds. We have also drawn on the experience of a number of other parishes as well as the work of the Episcopal Church Foundation and the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes. We hope to present a plan to the vestry later this year for its consideration.

A preliminary draft of the proposed wish list is in the works. Additional ideas are being sought and the committee would appreciate any ideas or suggestions for suitable specific projects that fall outside of the regular or capital budgets.

The committee recently reviewed the proposal to create a memorial rose garden on the church grounds and recommended it to the vestry.

At the request of the rector, members of the committee have been at work seeking to raise funds needed for the new chapel organ and other related expenses.

So, as you can tell, the committee has been busy and has a lot more to do. We welcome your thoughts and ask your prayers as we move forward together to do the work we have been called to do.

The current members of the committee include the rector, Jim Bick, David Ross, Barbara Schütz, Stan Tabor, Kevin Trapani, and Robert Wright. The Treasurer and the Junior Warden also serve as ex officio members.

Send items for inclusion in future "Cross Roads."
The deadline is the first Thursday of the preceeding month.