Stewardship Letter

Dear St. Aidan’s Family and Friends,

Over 60 years ago, St. Aidan’s began as a church plant—literally planted in the wooded heart of the Kings Grant community. From its earliest days, it was a place where people gathered with vision, faith, and a sense of possibility. That spirit has never left. Our property is still full of trees and life, and our building still breathes with the warmth of the people who fill it. St. Aidan’s has always been alive with laughter, music, prayer, potlucks, and purpose. And just as this church was planted decades ago, we continue to plant hope—for the future of our parish, for the next generation, and for the good we can do together in the world.

When we plant, we trust. We may not see all the fruits of our labor immediately. But we plant anyway, because we are people of hope. Hope in God's promise. Hope in one another. Hope in the unseen and not-yet. That’s what “Planting HOPE 2026” is all about: making faithful choices today that bear fruit in seasons to come.

This year’s stewardship theme, “Planting HOPE 2026” which fits with our message of we are a parish that is Growing in Faith, Rooted in Love. This theme and message invites us to dig deep, to trust that the seeds we plant today will grow into something lasting. Hope takes root when we show up, when we give, when we risk joy. Every prayer, every pledge, every act of generosity is a seed. And our congregation, this warm, quirky, courageous community of faith, is the fertile soil where hope grows.

Why We Pledge

Pledging is more than budgeting, it’s spiritual practice.

When you make a pledge, you’re not just funding a budget. You’re sustaining a church that:

• Welcomes newcomers and makes children feel at home
• Visits the sick and comforts the grieving
• Preaches grace, sings with joy, and teaches faith in a complicated world
• Gathers for baptisms, funerals, weddings, potlucks, and ordinary Sundays full of grace

Your pledge helps us plan for 2026 with wisdom and confidence. It shows us what kind of growth we can prepare for. And it says: I am part of this!

Let us plant together. Let us hope together. Let us grow together. Because at St. Aidan’s, everyone has something to give, and every seed of hope matters.

In faith, love, and planting in hope,

St. Aidan’s Stewardship Committee, Vestry, and Rev. Julia

How to Pledge for 2026

1. Pledge Card:
You’ll find a pledge card in this mailing. Please prayerfully fill it out and return it by Ingathering  Sunday, October 26 several ways: You can return it in person during worship or by mailing it to the church office. You can also submit your 2026 pledge online through your individual Realm account.

2. Choosing Your Timing:
Whether you give weekly, monthly, or annually, please indicate your intended schedule. Knowing when gifts are coming in helps us pay bills, plan programs, and care for our staff and buildings without worry.

3. Giving Methods:   

• Online: Set up recurring giving through your individual REALM Account by visiting onrealm.org/aidanvbva/Give
• Cash or Check: Please write your name clearly on your envelope or check so we can track your gift for your records.  Please indicate whether it is for your pledge or another giving fund.
• Bank Online Bill Pay: Easy, secure, and low-fee for the church and you!
• Zelle:  Zelle is a free online payment service through most large banks and credit unions. Access Zelle through your bank’s website or mobile app and send your gift to St. Aidan’s at bookkeeper@aidanvbva.net.
• QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) Please indicate on your pledge card “QCD” and the month in which the payment will come in.
• Text Giving through REALM.  Text the word “aidanvb” to 73256