Taking it to the Top of the Mountain — AND OVER
In this issue of the Virginia Episcopalian , you will notice that we ’ re focusing almost entirely on the youth and young adults of this diocese . [ But , if you think this has little to do with you , keep reading !] Given that this is “ camp season ” at Shrine Mont , with hundreds upon hundreds living and learning together on The Mountain , you can see how that decision came to be . Simply put , our camping ministries are the biggest thing we ’ ve got going at this time of year . I also happen to believe strongly that our camping program is the thing we do best all together as a whole diocesan community .
As I indicated above , this issue is not simply about “ camps and camping !” No , but I invite you to approach this magazine through a different lens : ministers of the Church living their discipleship of Jesus Christ in community , some in new ways and others in the traditional , tried-and-true models that have proven over the years to be successful for the Church ’ s formation of souls , hearts , and minds .
In all of this , I hope that you will see and understand that this issue is telling the stories of how we in this complex , multi-layered , and overarching entity we know as “ The Diocese ” are living out our Baptismal Covenant in differing , interesting , and exciting ways all at the same time . What I want you to glean from this fact is that we — each and every one of us — have a place and a way to be an Episcopalian Christian . I ’ m very proud of this for our mission and witness to the world around us . We truly are a Church , a place , for everyone — of any age — and anyone of virtually any “ style ” … just as Jesus is Lord for all . Learning this as a youngster or young adult is surely best .
As I write this , our long-running Camps Capital Funds Campaign , “ Shout It from the Mountain ,” is at last drawing to a close . I ’ m delighted to announce that not only have we significantly surpassed our $ 2 million goal but also we can most certainly reach ( even surpass !) our $ 2.5 million “ stretch ” goal . Let me be absolutely clear : The term “ stretch ” goal certainly does not imply some kind of “ luxury ” level , that is , something that would be nice but which is not actually necessary . Not at all ! It is a “ stretch ” goal because our professional consultants did not think that we could reach even the $ 2 million goal , let alone $ 2.5 million ! And what we listed as needed at this “ stretch ” level is just as necessary as anything else in this successful campaign .
Where do we stand ? I ’ m elated to announce that , as of this writing , we have payments and pledges of $ 2,305,007 ! This
Bishop Johnston means that we are $ 195,000 away from topping our “ in our dreams ” stretch goal . Now , the amount we still need to raise sounds like a lot of money … because it IS a lot of money ! But let me put it to you in another perspective ; Believe me , WE CAN DO THIS !
All we need is SIXTY-FIVE ( that ’ s right : 65 !) pledges of only $ 1,000 a year for just three years ( or , say , $ 1,500 for two years , as I ’ m doing in addition to Ellen ’ s and my existing pledge over five years ; how you do it doesn ’ t really matter ). Now , the Diocese of Virginia has around 20,000 households , and at this point , fewer than 1,000 households have contributed to the “ Shout it from the Mountain ” campaign , and still we surpassed our goal . Surely , out of some 19,000 households we can find the 65 needed donors to break the stretch goal . Our demographic research shows that this should be easy ! Even so , I ’ m very much aware that this is not at all possible for hundreds , perhaps thousands , of our homes , and so I ask those of you to take part in an effort that is every bit as necessary , and that is to pray that those who are so blessed as to be able to give will be moved by the Holy Spirit to step forward . I thank you for this on your part no less than I do for those who offer a pledge .
This issue of the Virginia Episcopalian is being mailed to precisely 17,963 Episcopalian households . Can you be one of these who step up and make this happen ? If so , will you ? Please consider and pray about being one of the 65 we must have to take this historic campaign over the top ! And remember , if you wish , you can designate 10 percent of your gift to go to our truly inspiring companion diocese of Christ the King in Johannesburg , South Africa , to help build and sustain its own camp ministry , which has been modeled after
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