Place, People, Purpose
St. James' Annual Giving Campaign for 2027

Each fall, the Vestry of St. James asks parishioners to estimate the level of financial support they can offer in the coming year. Fulfilled estimated gifts from our annual giving campaign accounted for about 70% of our revenue in 2026 and we expect a similar percentage in 2027. Please make your commitment to give by November 22 online through the link below or by physical card in church, even if you gave in 2026.

You may be more familiar with the language of "pledging," but we are making an intentional shift to "giving estimate" this year. Why? It's clearer for those newer to the Episcopal church and reflects what we want folks to understand--namely that it's an estimate, not a binding commitment. If your circumstances change during the year, you can always reduce (or even increase!) your estimate.

You can make your giving estimate through the button below or on paper (on our campaign brochure, available in the Sanctuary and in the office). Please let us know if you would like to make a gift of stock and we will connect you accordingly.

We hope that the following stories will help illustrate how vital your support is. Your gifts ensure that the place, the people, and the purpose of St. James will continue strong in 2027 and beyond.

In gratitude,
Rev. Rowan & the Vestry of St. James
Let us know your giving estimate for 2027 here
NOTE: You can make your pledge online through the page linked above without setting up online giving. However, if you'd like to set up online giving, please check the start date of your first gift and ensure that it is for January 2027. 

October 15 - Rev. Rowan's Sermon

Rev. Rowan offered their annual sermon on annual giving, also known as "stewardship," on October 15th. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here: 

October 25 - Gratitude Moment from Rob Maher

Good morning. If we have not met before, please allow me to introduce myself: my name is Rob Maher. I have been a member of St. James church since my family and I moved to Bozeman in 2002—nearly 25 years ago. I sing in the St. James choir at the 10:15 service. My “day job” is being a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Montana State University.
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I was asked by Michael Fox, acting Senior Warden, to give a few remarks about what stewardship means to me. I am very happy to do so.

As a life-long member of the Episcopal Church and veteran of many stewardship campaigns, I believe that a steward is a highly trusted individual in whom the owner has complete confidence and authority. The steward is not the owner, but the careful, trusted, and highly responsible manager of the gifts entrusted to the steward’s care.

All of us are stewards of this church: stewards of the building, the ministries, and the people.

None of us were here when the church was built 150 years ago. We have this beautiful church because of the care and generosity of those who came before us, who decided that a place to worship was of such great significance that they would sacrifice their time, talent, and treasure to build and to nurture it. We don’t deserve this place. It is not a reward for our own good deeds. We have been entrusted with the care of this parish, and the care of those who worship here, so that as stewards we can bestow this great gift to the future generations of Episcopalians who will continue to worship here long after we have gone.

Our congregation is blessed with many opportunities to gather for worship, outreach, and prayer. We have many generous individuals who serve our parish as professionals or as volunteers to sustain our church.

While some individuals are able to volunteer a dozen hours per week, many of us have jobs and family responsibilities outside the church that limit our available time. Similarly, while some St. James members pledge $100, $200, or even more dollars per week for financial support of our parish, some others may not yet feel ready to pledge funds due to financial constraints. Yet we must trust one another to support our church out of our individual abundance and generosity of spirit.

As one who truly cherishes this parish, its people, and its prospects, I trust all of us to become true stewards of this church, making St. James better and stronger every day.

Thank you.