Well, I need to talk a bit about our church finances again. I really don’t want to, but apparently it just doesn’t work to put all your begs in one ask it! It was even suggested by Ethan Jones at our Church Board meeting last Monday night that I might want to preach a sermon entitled, “The Sermon on the Amount!” I love that title and you just might indeed hear that one again.
Our combined budget offerings are way down for the year to date. Thus far our expenses for the year are less than last year by $2,000. However, our income is down $39,000, which leaves us some $37,000 behind.
As we try to understand what has made the difference we look at the “special projects” that we have supported. We paid off the roof and you generously supported the work in Romania. Contributions have been good to Pathfinders and to the Signs ministry. All of these and other projects are good and certainly need to be supported, but we can’t let the church budget get behind. We realize that there are only so many dollars out there and if we give extra to a special need it often means that less is given to the regular offerings.
Please keep a few things in mind. When you are gone our expenses remain the same. It would be wonderful if our offerings were as regular and systematic as your incomes. Also, remember that your tithe goes to the Northern California Conference and does not remain in the local church.
The good news is that our church has a history of strong financial support and we do have reserves to cover this year’s dark picture. However, if this trend were to continue we would be facing some serious concerns in the not too distant future.
Personally, I am not terribly concerned. I have seen this church family step up and meet the challenges too often to be discouraged. But I do not want to let the current trend go unnoticed and fail to inform you of what is going on.
Thank you for your faithfulness through all the past and please help us get this picture turned around.
Also on our agenda last Monday night was the review of our student aid applications. As needs continue to increase in this area we sensed the need to develop a clear policy for determining how to best apply the funds available. We will be meeting again next Monday night to look at such a policy proposal and how it would affect the families we are considering for help. Please pray that God will give us wisdom and courage. It will take both! We value every student desiring to attend Napa Christian, but the funds available are limited and our desire is to be as generous as possible as we consider the distribution of aid as fairly as possible. As you can imagine, we aren’t able to make everybody as happy as we would like.
Well, that’s more than enough heavy stuff for this week don’t you think?
I always get an abundance of cute emails. Most of them are repeats, but some are new. Don’t hesitate to send them anyway. I know how to delete! The following bulletin bloopers are mostly repeats, but some are new and the others are worth a second chuckle.
Sometimes we just appear to be inconsistent don’t we? Enjoy!
“The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.”
“Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please us the back door.”
“Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.”
“Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.”
“The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.”
“Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.”
Keep your courage up and your faithfulness current.
Are you thankful for this church family to be a part of? We sure are! In seven and a half years we have not had a single squabble in church board meetings. We have had to deal with some challenging issues and problems, but have always found open discussion and willing hearts around the circle. Our board meetings rarely last over an hour and have always been far more pleasure than pain. I sure can’t say that of every church I’ve pastored and I know many of my colleagues find it hard to believe.
We are a blessed church and we pray for you daily and thank God for you daily. Let’s keep working together to the glory of God!
