|
To the Congregation:
In keeping with the Council's commitment to keep the Congregation abreast of events, I am submitting this memo to the Chimes. Council will do so every three months.
1 - Budget: we are spending much less than planned because we are not yet paying a Pastor's salary. Currently, money received via pledges and other income is exceeding expenses by about $13,000.
2 - However, pledges received are falling behind the amount promised by about $2,300. Please insure that your pledge is up to date. We will need your pledges to pay a Pastoral Salary when a candidate answers our call.
3 - The front steps have been chinked and caulked by Mark Grover. Replacement of the front walk is next.
4 - The new fire alarm system is installed and online, thanks to the Theta Phi Delta donation.
5 - Shrubs, which had to be removed in order to begin the work in the front, will be replaced next spring thanks to a gift from the Richards Family in Memory of their Dad, Bob Richards.
6 - Patching and sealing of the parking lot was halted because the cost was higher than expected. Bids are being obtained for a total replacement of the parking lot. Temporary patches will be put down in the large potholes.
7 - Insurance has paid for much of the cost of repairs needed that resulted from the basement sewer backup.
8 - Pumpkin Patch and the Fair were successes, with $9,065.50 from the pumpkin sales ($3,018.81 to FCOA) and $3,200 from the Fair.
9 - The Search Committee is proceeding apace, has interviewed a number of folks and has heard some of them preach. Stay tuned.
These expenses shown above may seem like substantial costs to incur at a time of reduced resources. But, the Church has been avoiding many of these maintenance/ repair needs and in some cases, there has been no choice but to do the work. Special appeals may be required for some of the things still needed.
Respectfully submitted,
John Ellsworth, Council Chair
|
