At its most recent meeting, the Vestry approved a draft budget for 2008.  At Sunday’s Parish Forum, Vestry members will speak about their vision for the future of this Covenant Community on which they have based this budget.

"We hope that parishioners will make a financial commitment to this Covenant Community out of gratitude for God’s blessings,” said Vestry member Mark Boyer. 

“Vestry members recognize our accountability for how that financial commitment is utilized,” Boyer added, “which is why we have been available every Sunday to concerned parishioners.

“We hope that most parishioners make their financial commitment to this Covenant Community based on the principle of gratitude contained in the spiritual discipline of the Tithe.  But we also hope to satisfy those who find comfort in knowing where their ‘first fruits’ offering will be spent,” Boyer concluded.

Follow through the vision

The Vestry strongly believes the strategy to invest in the parish leadership is the right direction to meet the needs of this Covenant Community that is growing in faith. 

To meet those needs, the Vestry agreed to invest in professional staff to help guide and build parish programs, services, and worship experiences.  Two positions created and funded for only part of this year include the Director of Youth Ministries and the Communications Director. 

To fund these positions required the Vestry to supplement parish revenue beyond parishioners contributions.  This filled the gap between the financial gifts we receive and our expenses. 

There are no new programs in this budget: no new staff: no increases in pay other than a modest cost of living adjustment.  The 2008 budget, however, fully funds staff positions only funded for a partial year in 2007.

As approved, the budget totals just over $1.4 m.  To offset these expenses, the budget is built on a conservative estimate of 2008 income based on 2007 results.  The bottom line: Income in 2008 must make up a revenue shortfall of $327,990.  This must come by an increase in parishioner pledges. 

As we move into 2008, the Vestry can no longer borrow from other parish funds.  The time has come for everyone who calls this Covenant Community home to make a commitment to our future. 
For some this will mean making a financial pledge for the first time.  For others it will mean increasing their current commitment.  Still others will embrace the Tithe – giving 10% of their income in grateful response to God’s abundance. 

It will require that all believe in the value of our Covenant Community and faith in God’s partnership in our life together.   Finally, it will require all of us to open our hearts to the love of God and the love of our neighbors in the Covenant Community.
 
“It is really very simple,” the Rector said. “Faithful people support one another.  The average income in Ashburn is $115,000/ year.  In Lansdowne it is $135,000.  Out of 548 parish families, funding a $1.4 million budget is easily within our financial means -- if we would only believe and be faithful.” 

The Vestry will join the Rector Sunday after the 10:45 service to share their vision of our future together.  Vestry members will be available in the narthex after the forum to answer parishioner questions.