Hello friends.
Welcome to fall. If the calendar didn't tell you we have entered a new season, the temperatures sure have. It is timely, too, as we are about to start our Winter Sanctuary program November 10.
The scripture I used above is from the contemporary translation. What an amazing reminder that we are enough. We often do not feel we are "enough." However, according to this passage, we just need to live as generously as we have been given.
That's what we are suppose to do, at least.
However, we know that it is not so easy. People need more convincing. I need more convincing. How do I use my time, treasures and talents to honor God through our ministry and feel like it is enough without feeling like it is a burden? Without feeling like I may be missing opportunities or letting someone down?
A year ago, our profit and loss statement showed a $238,000
deficit. That’s one of the largest deficits this organization ever faced. Knowing we could lose close to $100,000 in 2017, we tightened the belt, rolled up our sleeves and dug deeper. In the end, we were able to make our budget and produced a challenging budget for 2018, which included a $50,000 deficit.
Friendship House has been very blessed. And I believe Friendship House will continue to be blessed. And this is because we proclaim the good works of our organization. It is because we help people who tell other people. Word gets out - and people know they need to be a part of something amazing. We serve God through our mission.
And yet, people need more convincing.
At our November board meeting, you will be presented with a draft budget for 2019. Spoiler alert: it includes yet another deficit. This will be the fourth year in a row we will plan for a deficit.
You will hear me explain at our meeting I am comfortable with this because I do not think our deficit will be as big in 2018 as we had predicted and our cash reserves can afford the 2019 deficit as budgeted.
You will hear me say we are in our last year of a planned growth budget as we serve more people county wide.
You will hear me say I am worried because truly, we can't afford to have another deficit in 2020.
People need more convincing.
We have four fundraisers every year: the Mother's Day Garden Fundraiser, the Highmark Walk, the Annual Cocktail Party, and the annual appeal. The rest is up to fate.
Or is it?
There is one last fundraiser: YOU.
You don't need any fancy equipment or fundraising campaign as we are told in Matthew. All that is needed is you. Go - tell your neighbors about our mission, how we have life changing and life saving programs. Go - tell your congregations why you have chosen to serve on the Friendship House board. Go - meet our clients and encourage others to do as well and be moved and transformed.
You will hear me say one more thing at our board meeting: I have tremendous faith.
And this is also the answer to my questions above: through faith in God.
Because - we are enough. And we can make a difference.
Your biggest fan,
Kim
