Many of you have asked, how is Holy Comforter doing financially during the coronavirus crisis? Are people still giving? I’m happy to say on behalf of the Vestry, that you all, our parishioners, have been incredibly generous and faithful during our period of physical distancing. The vast majority of our parishioners have continued to maintain their pledges, not only in online payments, but also in sending weekly checks, and even giving more. The appeal to the congregation to support Britepaths
and Food 4 Thought, two of our outreach ministries providing food to those in need, resulted in a wonderfully generous collection of $
5,500. Our
Holy Week and Easter collection
s, anticipated to be much less because the church is physically shuttered, still yielded a surprising $
12,355
for our outreach ministries—
even more than last year. Thank you!
We encourage you to continue to give if you can to support those experiencing hardship during the coronavirus outbreak, especially FACETS, which is truly on the front lines in helping those facing homelessness, food insufficiency, and now great risk of exposure to COVID-19. Simply donate via the Online Gifts/Payments link
HERE (select “FACETS” as the designated fund) or write “FACETS” on your check to Holy Comforter, and our amazing treasurer, Peggy Miller, will ensure they get your donation quickly. (By the way, for those sending their pledge payments by check, this would be a great time to switch to online giving—just ask Peggy!)
But what about Holy Comforter and our long-term financial situation? Yes, we are saving a few dollars by having somewhat smaller utility bills, but we still have fixed expenses, including salaries and now interest payments on the loan for our wonderful Ministry Center. Because of your continued stewardship and generous giving, we are able to meet these financial obligations, but two of Holy Comforter’s major ministries are at some risk. The Holy Comforter Preschool, while able to support our teachers through this term, faces uncertainty about what enrollment will look like in the Fall. Pennywise, as you know, has also had to close its doors for business temporarily, and yet still must pay its bills for rent and utilities. There is much uncertainty about the long-term impact the coronavirus will have on the Preschool, Pennywise, and even our church life at Holy Comforter.
To help protect against this risk, and to help ensure that Holy Comforter emerges from this pandemic as whole and intact as possible, we have just submitted an application for funding via the Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Program (PPP) which is available to faith-based organizations defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Certainly many businesses and organizations need these PPP loans more than we do at this moment, which is why Holy Comforter did not immediately apply for funding when it was first offered. However, given the continued uncertainty about the future and recent guidance issued by the Diocese, our dedicated Finance Committee—in consultation with our Rector Jon Strand, the Preschool, the treasurer and financial advisors within our congregation—recommended that the Vestry approve applying for PPP funding, which we did at our April 16 Vestry meeting. If approved, the PPP would provide a loan for two and a half months of Holy Comforter’s payroll expenses, and up to 75% of this loan may be forgiven. Keep in mind there are many other organizations and businesses with applications in the queue for PPP funding, but Holy Comforter at least stands a chance of having our application processed now that Congress has approved a second round of PPP funding.
While taking these prudent steps to help insure our financial future, we have to keep faith in God and in each other that this mission that is Holy Comforter will continue even stronger beyond the coronavirus. The clergy and staff have been working tirelessly to produce beautiful and moving online worship experiences, as well as formation and fellowship opportunities via Zoom, and daily online reflections. Our children and youth ministries continue to provide a much needed connection for our home-bound children struggling with boredom and online learning. Our outreach ministries continue
with our youth and their parents offering grocery pickup and delivery to our most vulnerable parishioners.
