Stewardship Talks

Phil Toohey

Sunday, Sept 27, 2026

Wendy Tyner asked me to speak on why I attend and support Grace Church Bainbridge Island.

Necie and I were married at Grace Church in 1996 in St. Helena, CA. So, “Grace Church” already had a place in our hearts before we moved to Bainbridge Island in 2015. Necie had a friend, Heidi, who had lived on the island and said to us, “You have to check out Grace Church.” Apparently, Heidi had let Grace know we were coming.

When we decided to visit, Necie and I showed up about 20 minutes early to understand the lay of the land. As we were walking up to the rather intimidating front doors, we saw them open.

Bill Harper appeared in his vestments and “You must be Necie and Phil”. We have been waiting for you. Necie’s side of the story went on as she walked into the narthex; she met Peggy Ashcroft and Rachel Brant, who, in turn, gave her a big hug. She really needed that hug; our move was rough.

I have been in sales and hospitality most of my career, and that first day at Grace Church stands unmatched. You simply can’t teach this kind of kindness and sincerity.

What kept Necie here was her involvement in the rummage sale we used to do as a fundraiser. Then Necie helped put together the “Field and Vine dinner and got involved with Grace Garden and the altar guild, putting together the flowers for Sunday service.

Personally, what keeps me here is the way Grace feeds me with Spiritual food.

I am going to steal a line from the movie Rudy, There are two things that I know about my religion. There is a God, and I’m not him.

You have heard me say before that I come to this altar for solace and strength, pardon and renewal.

To say the Nicene Creed, in whatever form, I recommit myself and remind myself what it is I signed up for as a living member of the Episcopal faith.

Like a car needs gas, I need each week to find a safe place to simply surrender in the community of others.

In the Eucharist, I graft myself into the gospel of reconciliation; my soul is transformed.

Put Simply…. I love this Grace Church.

I love Grace Church and its unwritten mission to serve as a bridge, bringing all God’s children home.

What got me to Grace was that incredible invitation to join, what keeps me here is being in faith and fellowship with you all.

May the blessings of peace be with you all.

Thank you

Ann New

September 20, 2026

Good morning, friends. I’m Ann New, and I am one of your wardens here at Grace Church and, for the last 10 years, a regular 8 am service attendee. We are a somewhat intimate group aren’t we? We early risers who gather for 8:00 AM church. This morning, I’m here to help launch the 2027 annual stewardship effort and share with you why I love Grace and pledge my financial support.

I started regularly attending Grace in January of 2017. I was looking for an early, quiet and contemplative church service that would help me learn and grow and 8:00 AM provided that for me. Then, in 2020, I became a member of the vestry, leading Stewardship. You might recall that was when COVID appeared, and we pivoted to Zoom church. With great heart and generosity, our congregation pulled together through that very difficult time. Eventually, we returned to in-person church. I remember some Sundays when there were just 3 or 4 of us at 8 am, all masked up, grateful that Grace was there welcoming us. And now look! We are so many more! How could I say anything but yes when Wendy asked if I would share with you why I give generously to Grace Church!

When people ask why I give, I say something like, “Well, I can tell you, but you might not find it particularly inspirational.” You see, for me, it’s a practical matter. I love this church. And Grace wouldn’t be here without the people who staff the church, and the people who fill it up and volunteer and participate in so many ways. I think we all know that to make Grace happen requires money. Quite a bit of money. Not only do I want this beautifully wonderful Church to continue to thrive for our lifetime, but I want Grace to continue for our children, grandchildren and their children. And Grace is not only a building, although it is an amazing building! It is a place where we — you and I — come together to connect. We pause, sing, pray, and reflect on all that is. We learn from each other, hold each other, celebrate together, and share tears. We lovingly experience life and death together. We build a community of service to the church and to those beyond our church walls. We seek answers when we know there are just more questions, and we help each other through it all. To do all of that and more requires people — clergy and staff — who work hard to bring more life to our church. They are kind, loving, educated, experienced and committed to helping all of us “keep the faith.”

Now, back to that practical matter, the cost of doing all of this has gone up considerably over the past 10 years. We all know that. So this year, as I prayed and thought long and hard about doing my part as we strive to reach an $850,000 goal, I have decided to increase my pledge by 30%. And I wonder what each of you would say if asked to stand where I am this morning. Why do you give to Grace, and how will you discern how much?