Hopeful Story, September 23, 2012

  There are many ways that you can evaluate a congregation’s health: Worship attendance. Volunteerism. Small Group participation. Community service. And charitable giving to causes and the operating budget.
  Last week our church treasurer, Denise, submitted a very positive financial report to the Administration Board for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012. Here are the highlights in her own words:

• Our giving was at 98% of budget!!!! This is the closest we have ever come to 100%. Very encouraging! 
• Most ministries were under budget, so we did not have a cash shortfall. In fact, we had a positive income of $5,084. 
• We have an HST rebate coming of $12,698, which will go back into the operating account. 
• We have recorded 98% in our ministry shares (the money every Christian Reformed Church directs to the CRC’s agencies, ministries and outreach) - but I still need to make a payment totaling $20,281, which I will be ABLE to do as soon as the HST rebate comes in! 
• On the building side - we collected $59,000 in building donations, and earned a net of $61,260 of Rental Income! Of this money, we spent $58,355 on the repaving / topcoat of the parking lots, and made a $75,000 principal payment on the mortgage! 

  What explains this good report? Last year more of us began to use Hope-PAD, Hope Fellowship’s pre-authorized debit program. We also changed to dual use budget envelopes that, despite their cramped size, seem to have helped us direct our giving to both the day’s cause and the budget. But the biggest and best reason for this great giving season is God’s goodness and the congregation’s thankful, faithful stewardship.
   It is very heartening to hear Denise conclude, “All is looking MUCH better than it has in the past.” With God’s help, let’s keep it up as we work together at meeting this year’s budget of $470,455.00
- The Administration Board