Thoughts from our Council President

There are rumors swirling about our finances, and while I cannot necessarily put a happy face on them I hope to clarify.
 
Rumor: we are going out of business.
True or False: False-we are making strides on controlling our cash flow and have negotiated a temporary mortgage reduction. Even were we to lose our building (and there is no immanent danger of that!), AS would continue in a new location.
 
Rumor: the preschool is not a ministry of AS.
True or False: False-the preschool is a unique ministry of AS. Some of its issues and problems are exactly like the problems of every other of our missions; due to their nature as a business as well as a ministry, some of their concerns are singular to them.
 
Rumor: all of our special funds have been spent.
True or False: True-late last year our finances reached such a nadir that there were no other monies left to cover the essentials and fixed expenses, at which time our bill payers realized that borrowing from the special funds was preferable to being delinquent on our mortgage or having our utilities shut off. The intention is however, to pay back these specially raised funds as soon as we are more solvent, and then to restrict them so in a future crisis they will not be used without soliciting congregational input.
 
Rumor: we cannot afford to call a pastor.
True or False: False-no doubt our financial situation will impact the seniority level of a potential pastor, but it is not true that we have no funding for a pastor.
 
Rumor: fundraiser proceeds must go for the common good and into the common pot.
True or False: True, and I suggest you read the first few chapters of Acts to see how the first Christians handled their monies. Our financial oversight committee is currently working on a policy regarding funds raised for special purposes going forward, but the “common pot” policy will stand until they do.
 
Rumor: there is no information being given about our financial status.
True or False: False-the budget/expense items shown in the herald each week have recently been expanded, and should give a broader picture, and a council officer or finance team member will be orally giving you a monthly update for the foreseeable future.

If you wish to discuss any of these items further, please see me or another council person.

Blessings
Kathleen M Waligura
kwaligura@abailard.com