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The First Presbyterian Church has an extraordinary history of Planned Giving. We hope to illuminate that history and communicate to current Members the many options available in order that they may continue this inspiring legacy of Planned Giving.
The key to this effort will be a communication process of Planned Giving options and opportunities to our members. It is important that the communication goes both ways. We are looking for comments, input, suggestions and volunteers.
Finance Committee Summary of Events to Date
- In May our church received the April investment committee report on the state of our special investment funds, whose value had dropped significantly. 43% of our projected church operating budget in 2009 is funded by our special investment funds.
- Session was informed of the negative impact to the 2009 budget and the longer term concern that at present spending patterns the special funds could be depleted in 8 years. Session acknowledged the severity of the situation and resolved that “everything was on the table” to examine.
- Over the past few months Session, the Finance Committee and other leaders of the church have been thoroughly reviewing the church operations with the help of Reverend Tom Castlen, the consultant retained by Session to help guide us through this process.
- On the evening of Monday, July 27th 14 dedicated members of the Finance Committee and staff met for four hours to discuss all operational aspects of the church and brainstorm options for the future.
- As a result of this meeting and subsequent meetings through the summer the Finance Committee presented Session in September its findings including future “Finance Committee Proposed Goals” for review and consideration.
- After receiving feedback from members of Session, and conducting a town hall meeting with the congregation in September, the Administrative Division of the church, which includes the Finance, Personnel, Investment and Stewardship Committees, met and finalized the Finance Committee goals that were approved for presentation to Session in October (see below)
Below is the budgeting process we have put into place:
· 2009 Baseline Budget: In 2009 Session approved mid-year budget reductions of about $40,000. We can not make more reductions which are needed without reducing staff and some operations. We are calling this amended budget our “baseline” budget.
· 2010 Transition Budget: The baseline budget will be used as the budget for first half 2010. This will buy us time to work through the many decisions that have to be made. The budget for the last six months of 2010 will be determined between January and May. By then the congregational life survey will be evaluated, the functional assessments and performance reviews of staff will be complete, the Preschool Committee Task Force will have made its recommendations and Session will have the results of the January leadership retreat.
· 2011 Affordable Budget: The full impact of the Session approved Finance Committee Goals stated above will be implemented in 2011. This will give the church time to work through the many questions that will arise as a result of reducing our spending including asking the congregation to perform responsibilities previously performed by staff. Like all of First Presbyterian’s leadership, the Finance Committee is trying to be as responsible and compassionate as possible.
Those of us actively involved in this process see this as our responsibility to future generations of First Presbyterian Church. That it is our duty as leaders here to make the necessary but tough decisions to ensure the future financial health of our church. To quote the late Dr. Dale Turner:
When we follow duty, we enter into life. When we neglect it, we know failure and despair. Duty is not our chain, but our release – a release into competent, joyful and useful living. Amen
However, this process is much more than a sense of duty. It requires all of us to sense where God is calling and to follow. We are trying to make this possible through courageous engagement of the challenges and opportunities before us. This is a time of hope and excitement about what God is doing in our midst. Mathew said “with God all things are possible.”
We ask you to join with us. We need your help. We want to hear to from you. Our doors are always open and we will always make ourselves available to anyone with any questions or input.
Mark Westcott, Elder and Diane Trippany, Deacons
Finance Committee Members - Bob Beyerbach, Jack Kelley, Lothrop Lee, Tom Ferari, Dave Parsons, Kay Hubert, John Zanghi, Paul McPhillips, Doug Butler, Patty Herrick, Diane Trippany, Mark Westcott
