WORSHIPING HERE: PART I

In the first part of this series, we have covered Being Here, the cost of maintaining our property and grounds. The second section, Worshiping Here, begins now. The third section will be Serving Here.

Most people probably consider worship to be the highest value of a church. In the 7-day cycle of Sabbath keeping, coming together on Sunday to reaffi rm our identity as a community in covenant with God and each other is an important and necessary spiritual discipline.  “Being here” provides space for worship, but does not cover the cost of worship. Similarly, “worshipping here” does not cover all the other ministries of this parish.

Currently, “worshiping here” means three services on Sunday and one adult education or bible study during the week. The services include the traditional Eucharist at 8:00 am, the family service at 9:15 am and the traditional Eucharistic choral service at 10:45 am. The Rector hopes to reinstate a 5:00 pm service to support the faith of Youth and Young Adults in the near future.

The Wednesday Night Adult Education provides an opportunity for reflection on faith and so is considered under this category. “Worshiping here” also includes weddings and funerals. The costs associated with worshiping here include clergy, an organist, additional musicians, candles, bread and wine, and childcare providers. They also include indirect costs associated with worship planning such as a secretary, a book-keeper, and a sexton.

The cost for this Parish to “worship here” for 2007 will be $444,101. What makes up these costs? Note that four of the five costs shown are for people.

Consider first the lay staff . For all generations to worship here, this Parish must provide a safe and secure place for the youngest of us. We must staff our nursery with persons familiar with childcare including emergencies when they occur. It also means we perform background checks on each care giver. To provide childcare in 2007 we expect to spend almost $13,000.

An integral part of worship here has been excellent music, both traditional and contemporary. We are blessed with a volunteer choir and volunteer musicians. While they are able we must also have professionals to lead them. To provide this leadership for 2007 will cost a litt le more than $54,000.

Finally, a minimal staff is required to administer the church. This includes a parish secretary, a bookkeeper and a sexton. Today, we have two fulltime volunteers for these positions. Some day we will have to pay for these roles.  Were we to have paid the full costs of these positions today, it would cost about $106,000 per year.  So our cost for the limited number of lay persons required to support “worshiping here” is $173,109. Next week, this article will cover the value and cost of clergy.