Financial Information
2018 Summary
We were blessed to finish 2018 being able to do the ministry that we wanted to do this year and without dipping into our reserves or investments. We received $147,294- across all the accounts. 90% came in through plate receipts (and general donations). The expenses were $128,000. A full financial report is available- ask Pastor Jeff. For 2019, the general fund budget is about $125,000 (does not include things like Food Pantry or other accounts).
Giving Envelopes
what are they for? They are more than a way to keep your giving a secret- they are a way to register your giving for a charitable giving statement for tax purposes at the end of the year. This is how it works: each set of envelopes has a number that is assigned to a giver. That number is connected to your name by our Financial Secretary, Lewis Youmans. When used, the envelope number and amount is recorded and passed on to Lewis. At the end of the year, you’ll receive a statement. Using the envelopes is not necessary, but if you you’d like to use them, pick up a box without a name and let Lewis Youmans know who you are: name, address, and envelope box number. We accept cash and checks. Bitcoin currently not accepted.
Worship
2/17: No youth Christian Education
Adult Christian Education, 10 a.m. studying the Beatitudes in Matthew- now until March 24th
March 6th– Ash Wednesday, (beginning of Lent)
Financial Peace University Course
FPU is a 9-week course on personal financial management by Dave Ramsey. You’ll learn how to budget, save for emergencies, pay off debt and save for the future. For more information see: http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/
We would like to meet on Sundays beginning this month, but we need to hear from those interested in what works best. Ron Barnes has offered to facilitate again. Please let Pastor Jeff or Ron Barnes know. $129.99 for first time, free for repeats. Scholarships are available- we don’t want anyone not to participate because of the cost.
Committees
You are invited to consider serving on a committee. For the next three weeks, signups and descriptions will be in the foyer.
Ushering
We are opening up the ushering task to anyone who is interested in helping. It is a ministry of hospitality which basic responsibilities include: opening the prepping for worship, welcoming people, handing out bulletins, arranging for the bell to rung, receiving the offering. We don’t actually seat people anymore, but you get the idea.
A list of specific duties are in the foyer next to the door. An orientation can be held if anyone has not done it before.
Men’s Breakfast: Men eating breakfast together, pretty simple. 7:30 a.m. in the hall, Saturday February 2nd& March 2nd
Fellowship Opportunities in February
Feb. 6 (5-6:30) – NET Dinner
Join with others from the community to enjoy good food and conversation. This is a great time to catch up with those you know and to meet new friends! See the sign-up sheet in the foyer if you would like to contribute to the meal or to serve.
Feb. 8 (6-8 p.m.) – Family Game Night
Put down the remote and load up the car with your kids and your favorite board games! If you don’t have kids, you are also invited to have a fun night with your church family! Bring a dessert or snack to share.
Feb. 11 (6:30 – 7:30) – Fellowship Committee Meeting
Come and share your ideas with the committee. We are happy to have new members join us in planning to bring our church family and the community together in fellowship!
Leadership Rejiggering We are adjusting our organization in how planning and decisions are made. Consistory (made up of Elders and Deacons) has traditionally been the body to formally make decisions for ministry. The work has been done for many years with the help of committees. In an effort to broaden and share the work committee chairs, consistory and others will be meet together every other month. In the opposite months, Consistory will meet for a Consistory meeting. Elders will still have oversight of the membership and worship and the Deacons managing the gifts of the church. One way to understand it is that the leadership meetings and work will run parallel to Consistory meetings and work. Outcomes we are hoping for include better communication, more people participating in serving and developing ways to address need both within and outside our church.