DEAR FAITHFUL MEMBERS OF ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH:
 
GLORY BE TO JESUS CHRIST!
 
     There are those who think that the Church should never talk about money.  They say that the Church is supposed to deal with "spiritual things" and that money has no place in the Church.  They say that the priest should preach about God, prayer, Church services, etc., and forget about "material things".  The people who think this way do not know the Orthodox Christian Faith. 
 
     Of course, it would be wrong, sinful and un-Christlike if our parish was concerned only about money and about building the material wealth of the Church as a human organization.  But the point which Jesus Christ our Lord and the Apostle Paul and all the saints in all times and all places insist upon is this: Money and material goods have a deep and important spiritual and religious meaning.  Our Saviour did not say: "If you give....."  He said: "When you give...."  This means that giving money for the work of the Church is a commandment and duty.  It is not something that we do if we are "extra kind" or "especially good".  It is something that, if we do not do it, we are simply not Christians.  
 
     Before we plead our case of a limited income and even a certain degree of poverty, we confirm this sacred truth that the Lord blesses the contributions of genuine sacrifice more than much greater offerings which are not sacrifices at all.
 
     Having conducted a special congregational meeting of St. Michael's Church following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 5th, the main topic of discussion dealt with church finances.  Reviewing the past three years' financial reports, it was encouraging to view dramatic and successive increases in parish income from the years 2003-2005.  Unfortunately, expenses increased as well, and in the year 2005, the deficit spending amounted to over six thousand dollars.  While our stewardship traits have been outstanding in conducted monthly dinners and various fund-raising projects to increase the treasury, regular Sunday offerings have declined in each of the past three years.  Faced with this troublesome and difficult situation, the Pastor and dedicated officers of Saint Michael's have placed their trust in the Lord, imploring His blessings in favoring to implement a giving program, entitled, "A DOLLAR A DAY".  This plan encourages every member of our church to pledge one dollar a day for a year's time to deposit in the Maintenance Fund, where money shall be drawn from for the upkeep of our physical House of Worship.  Special envelopes will be printed and distributed to all members to fill with their sacrificial offerings.  We sincerely hope that all parishioners will make a pledge to increase their monetary gifts to Saint Michael's, as we prepare to joyfully celebrate the 100th Anniversary of our parish's establishment in the borough of Clymer, PA.  This milestone event and glorious celebration is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 16, 2007.  Our beloved Metropolitan Nicholas has already reserved this date on his Episcopal calendar and shall preside at the liturgical and festivie activities being planned. 
 
     Beloved parishioner: Please remember, that your pledge is only a promise to donate.  While we hope that this simple plan of giving to the church for her upkeep will not overburden you, since your regular Sunday offerings, dues, special event collections, holy day offerings, charitable gifts and fund-raising contributions shall still be expected and received graciously, we humble request that you give according to your means.  Our Saviour shall reward you a hundred-fold when you lovingly give of your treasures for the building up of His Bride, the Church.  May the Almighty bestow upon you every good and perfect gift from above!
 
     If you have any questions regarding this plan of parish giving, please do not hesitate to speak with the Pastor, Father R. Michael Zak by phoning (724) 254-4343 or the Church Treasurer, Jim Kluchurosky at (724) 465-9321.
 
     With kindest personal regards, we remain,
 
     Sincerely Yours in Christ,
 
 
 
     Father R. Michael Zak, Pastor and Church Officers of St. Michael's Orthodox Parish, Clymer, PA