The Vestry has begun the process of planning for ministry in 2008. The first step is to determine our “capacity for ministry.” As the old parable says: count the cost before you build.

Our parish is experiencing tremendous momentum. Our capacity for ministry is growing. As of today:

Our total pledge is $745,904. (Last year at this time it was $563,657.)

206 Families have returned Commitment Cards.

104 parish families have increased their pledge by 42%.

We have 43 new pledging families.

We await 65 parish families who pledged last year, to return their Commitment Cards.

Can't argue with the numbers. Our parish is moving forward. The only question is whether it will be enough to sustain our current capacity for ministry.

Over the past two years we have borrowed money to support the size of our parish. Our growth is closing the income/expense gap. But will it be enough?

Earlier this year our Finance Administrator gave us financial data to help us understand our costs.

• The cost of Being Here: $376,000, covers the property (mortgage and maintenance).
• The cost of Worshiping Here: $444,000, covers worship leadership and supplies.
• The cost of Serving Here: $227,000, covers staff who support parishioners involved in serving children, youth, our outreach ministries, etc.

Total Expense: $1,047,000
Total (Current) Pledge: $745,904

Difference: - $301,096

Need more detail? You will find it here.

In the past the Christmas and Easter offerings have increased parish income beyond the pledge. Our General Manager anticipates $52,000 this year, obviously not enough to make up the difference in 2008.

What do these numbers mean in terms of our capacity for ministry? What is their implication for ministry in 2008?

Well, it seems to me the Vestry has four options:

1) Increase our 2008 financial pledge.

2) Reduce our capacity for ministry.

3) Borrow money to cover the income/expense gap.

4) Any combination of the above.

I remain hopeful. Our Lord is the God of Abundance. He will work through faithful people.

Whatever the future holds, the Lord promises to bless us in our faithfulness. And he always will.