DOLLARS & CHURCH

As I write this I find it hard to believe that 2003 is coming to a close and that this article is actually for the first issue of the Voice of 2004.  Even harder to believe is that this will be the third year of my term as your treasurer. 

We have received our 2004 Apportionment for the Common Good (ACG) pledge form from the diocese.  I am pleased to report that for the first time in my tenure as treasurer we have returned our pledge form committing to the formula amount and not requesting a reduction.  This was helped by the new formula that we are transitioning to.  For 2004 this change resulted in a $6,000 reduction in our ACG amount.  By 2005 with full implementation of the new formula this will result in an additional $6,000 reduction for our church.   In addition to the reduced payout, you should also be aware of some of the direct support we receive from the diocese.  Our welcoming and evangelism committee received a grant this past summer to help support some of our activities such as the presence at Market Fest.  More recently, we have colorful new banners to welcome visitors to our building.  These were paid for by the diocese.

By the time you read this our vestry will be deliberating over the 2004 budget.  We will bring a balanced budget to you at the annual meeting in January.  At this time we are hoping that 2004 pledges will approach $285,000.  While this is a welcome turnaround from 2002 and 2003, it is barely higher than our 2001 amount.  Allow me to remind you of what I think our goals need to be by repeating a paragraph from last year's annual report:

"I do believe our financial position is healthy and ready for a period of sustained growth with the calling of our new rector this year.  We have been hovering at an annual budget level between $300,000 and $350,000 since 1998.  To support the infrastructure and programs in place along with an assistant to the new rector, we will need to step it up to a range between $400,000 and $500,000 in the next few years.  I am confident that we can accomplish this with your support and the leadership of our new rector."

We won't get there without adding new members to our congregation.  As Father Mark says, invite someone to church next week!

Through the end of November we are still in line with our budget:

Having begun 2003 with a general fund surplus of $28,500, we still expect to end up 2003 with a small general fund surplus balance.  We achieve this not only with the generous donations of money from this congregation, but also with the countless hours of talent donated by our members that keep everything running so smoothly.

The Finance Committee is still always looking for additional volunteers.  If any of you have an interest in joining the finance committee to contribute your talents and learn more about our parish finances, please let me know   Even if you do not want to serve on our committee, your input is welcome.  If you have questions about our finances or suggestions as to items we should be communicating to you about, please let me know.  You can ask me after Sunday services, drop a note in the Treasurer mailbox outside the office or send me an e-mail.

Larry Mahoney