The following reflection was offered by Finance Committee Chairperson, Paul Carlson, during worship on November 15th
Good morning. I would like to offer some comments on our stewardship program. You should receive the mailing this week. The current year has been very challenging for our church and its members. You responded with faithful pledging and heroic fundraising. As a result of your generous support, for the first time in many years, we will not need to tap our endowment to pay our operating expenses. This is very good news for our long term sustainability.
Because of your generosity we continued the important programs that make our church a special place for all of us: the ministry, both in worship and pastoral care; beautiful music; engaged Christian education; active outreach; efficient office work and careful facilities maintenance. Our dedicated staff, volunteers and congregants strengthen our church. Overall, we are blessed to be finishing this year in a positive position in our faith, our activities and our finances.
In addition, we were able to borrow from the nation’s Payroll Protection Program. The loan proceeds have not yet been added to our operating funds.
As we look into 2021, we must consider many challenges and uncertainties including the ongoing impact of the covid virus.
Our church community requires consistent funding. We operate very frugally. Our five dedicated staff members account for 66% of total expenses. We also have utility, insurance and other operating expenses as well as our outreach program. We must cover these expenses all year long. Our budgeting and the efficient functioning of the church depend on your pledge payments.
We no longer have the support of the major donors of the past. Instead, we are blessed to have a broad base of people whose pledges support our church and our programs all year long. You got us through this year’s challenges. And for that we all should be very grateful.
As you go through your stewardship package, please pray over your decision and pledge generously to preserve this wonderful and vibrant religious community. Please consider how important our church is to you, your family and our community of believers. God’s faithfulness has graced us.
Thank you.