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I structured the letter to make several points:
- Name the challenge of this moment to make clear that we’re all in this together
- Explain how the congregation responds and adapts
- Thank people for their commitment to the congregation
- Acknowledge that some face financial challenges and what the church is doing
- Invite those who can to make an extra gift
- Reaffirm again that we’re all in this together
- Most importantly, avoid language like “the church has bills to pay.” Instead, talk about all the ministry we do together and how it matters, now more than ever.
Your work does deeply matter. People need the connection, hope, comfort, and inspiration of church. The COVID-19 pandemic has strained community relationships and left many isolated. The ministry of our churches – your work – sustains people in this challenging time.
Please call or reach out if I can be of assistance.
Your brother in Christ,
David Cleaver-Bartholomew, Transitional ACM for Stewardship and Financial Development: cleaver-bartholomewd@sneucc.org; (office) 508-875-5233 ext. 231; (cell) 315-753-1375
Sample Letter to Your Congregation
Adapt this letter to your own congregation. Send it out as a thank you to anyone who made a gift in the first quarter (for any fund) and everyone who pledged (regardless of any giving year-to-date)
Dear [name of adults in household],
What a beginning of 2020 this has been. I can’t recall a seminary class that could have prepared me for the challenges the Coronavirus and physical distancing brought to my ‘normal life’. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, afraid, angry, or in shock…I get it. So much feels and is different.
And yet some things remain: the abiding love of God, the connections of friendship and prayer within our congregation, and our commitment to reach out in service to our neighbors.
[Use this paragraph to raise up and affirm specific ways in which your congregation as a whole and/or individuals have responded to the needs that have emerged. For example]:
Here at St. John’s, we are learning new ways to still be the congregation you treasure. Our music director and I began offering virtual services on Facebook Live. Our Deacons started a calling tree to make sure every household would receive a call at least once a week. Edna Smith, our steadfast hospitality leader for the last 50 years, adapted to this new moment by becoming a “virtual barista” with a zoom coffee hour every Sunday and Wednesday morning. We don’t need a building to be church, but we do need each other to be St. John’s.
I want to thank you for your financial commitment to St. John’s. For those who’ve made gifts in first quarter: Your gifts this have helped sustain the faithful mission and ministry of our congregation. Your support is critical to our sustainability.
Some in our community face personal economic challenges because of this pandemic. Please reach out to me if you need support. The Trustees created an Emergency Fund so that we can help each other through this time. [Adapt this to your church’s situation.]
I hope your circumstances will enable you to continue your usual contributions. If they have changed, please know I understand. Conversely, if you find you are able to make an additional gift beyond your normal amount, that would be wonderful! Please know that your donation, no matter its size, is deeply appreciated and empowers us to carry out our church’s ability to make a difference in people’s lives.
Together, we can support each other through this difficult time. Together, we can answer God’s call to mission and ministry. Together, we can be spiritually united even when physically apart.
With gratitude, [name of pastor]