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A Message from Your Bishop’s Committee |
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November 21, 2006 Bishop’s Committee Meeting Summary By: David Sanguinetti, St. Philips Church Clerk Stewardship We have received 33 pledge cards with 27 of them increasing their commitment an average of 20%. In addition, we received 5 additional pledges from children of the congregation. The current pledge total is $119,000, which is lower than what was hoped for as we are lacking roughly $51,000 from our goal. David Sanguinetti and Pastor Mary are going to follow up and encourage more members to pledge. It should also be noted that some of our former members are beginning to attend church again. Suggestions for improving membership and commitment included offering classes in “What it means to be a member” and offering brunch for “Newcomers”. Treasurers Report Prior accounting errors have been located leaving us a working balance of $9000. Lump sum payment to Diocese for catch up on Fair Share will be discussed at next months meeting. Property tax exemption split will occur in January accounting for need to separate our status in order to pay taxes for the rental facility. We also completed our first audit and all indications are that it went well. Hopefully we will have final details for the next newsletter report. Bill DeRouchey will be resigning from the Treasurer position as of the annual meeting in January. Thanks to Bill for yeoman’s work. Steve Dodds has offered to take over as treasurer for the next year. |
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Renewing Our Commitment The tall blue glass receptacle in the middle of the sanctuary bas been filling up as St. Philip’s members and friends, young and old, bring in their Commitment Card pledges. And there's still room for more. Our bookkeeper reports we currently have 37 pledges totaling $110,000 with a further 5 pledges from Sunday school kids and one pledge for $5,000 for the building fund. Our stated goal for underwriting the dollar expenses of being and doing church in 2007 has been $210,000. The current projection of what we'll raise by pledges is $119,000. Under David Sanguinetti’s leadership, we shall now begin to make follow-up contacts with those whose pledges are still expected. Anyone who is considering committing support to St. Philip’s but is still pondering their gift may call David or Pastor Mary (438-4360) for a listening ear. In December, the Bishop’s Committee will be receiving program requests and framing a spending plan (call it a “budget") for 2007. By mid-January, as our Annual Meeting approaches (mark your calendars for Sunday, the 28th) we shall all have a picture of what your lay leaders and clergy hope for next year. These are encouraging figures. The spirit of those who are working to stir up our commitment of time, talent, and treasure for the year ahead has been enthusiastic. At this point we know that we will have to keep thinking imaginatively and praying earnestly in order to sustain the ministries of St. Philip’s, to act compassionately toward our neighbors, and to speak truthfully to our world. Yours in Christ, |
