Dean's Letter to the Parish

March, 2008
Episcopal Cathedral Church
of Saint John
Wilmington, Delaware

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Reverend Robert Broesler, Rector of Saint Barnabas Church, raised an interesting stewardship proposition with the clergy of the Diocese during the annual clergy retreat at the end of January. He shared with us an idea that he and some of the parishioners at Saint Barnabas had been discussing about the use of the federal rebates that will be mailed in late spring. The idea is to put the federal rebates to work by making them available for ministries that benefit others.

Now I know that there are those among us who will need the rebate for personal use just to make ends meet. But there are others of us who, if we so choose, will be able to offer part or all of the rebate for the church’s ministry in the community and the world. In doing so, we will be getting the money into the economy while we care for others. In other words, we will be good citizens and faithful Christians.

So, I am asking you to consider using your rebate for the Church’s ministry. My suggestion is that we at the Cathedral designate all or part of the rebate we receive to Cathedral Community Services and to Episcopal Relief and Development. In doing so, we will be reaching out to both our community and the world. I can assure you that Beverly and I will be doing this. We will deposit the check, and write two checks: one to the Cathedral designated for Episcopal Relief and Development, and one to Cathedral Community Services.

The funds given to Cathedral Community Services will be used to resource the Summer Camp for children, the Neighborhood Assistance ministries now based at Next-to-New, and the ministries of the Urban Missioner. The share of the funds giving to Episcopal Relief and Development will be used at the national and international level for aid and development ministries that serve those who are need because of natural events or human caused conditions.

I can’t think of a more win/win use of the federal rebate. The economy wins; those who benefit from the Church’s ministry win. And, we win by getting a tax deduction - right? No, we win because we are faithful: Well done, good and faithful servant.

So brother and sister servants of Christ, I urge you to give this your prayerful attention and put your rebate to work for the Lord.

Faithfully,
The Very Reverend William B. Lane

DEAN'S DIRECTORY:

• A recent sermon by the Dean
• The Dean's Letter of Welcome
• Meet the Dean

Cathedral Call Letters

• 2008: January | March
• 2007: September | October | November | December