|
Letter
from the wardens - June 2007
"Remember
the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce
wealth." [Deuteronomy 8:18]
"Command
those who are rich in this present world … to do good, to be rich in
good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will
lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so
that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." [1 Timothy
6:17-19]
We
are reminded by these verses that God gives us everything, and we are the
stewards of His gifts. God prospers us not to raise our standard of
living, but our standard of giving. It is in this spirit that we inform
you of the financial state of our church, and seek your generous giving.
For
the current fiscal year, parish council has approved an operating budget
where anticipated revenues of $255,050 will be exceeded by expenses of
$265,165, projecting to a deficit of $10,115. Those who are interested in
the budget items underlying these sums can peruse them in the 2006 Annual
Report, copies of which are available in the church office.
As
at the end of May, marking the passage of the first 42% of the year, 44%
of anticipated revenues had been received, but 46% of projected expenses
had been disbursed. This mismatch, though slight, if sustained or allowed
to grow will exaggerate the projected deficit at year-end. We do not wish
this to happen. Of course it is our hope that, contrary to budgeting,
final revenues will match final expenses to deliver a year-end balance.
To
date, envelope giving is slightly less this year than what it had been
last year. We ask all parishioners to prayerfully respond to the needs of
our church, which include projects of designated giving to our
extra-parochial community. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly
will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap
generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
[2 Corinthians 9:6-7].
If
you wish, you may join the 37 other St. James' families who already
participate in the Pre-Authorized Offering Plan (POP). This plan ensures
that your offerings are made regularly even when you are unable to attend
Sunday worship service. It is a commitment to your stewardship of God's
gifts. Please get in touch with Sarah-Jane Raine (Telephone: 477-4106 or
Email: rosali(at)ns.sympatico.ca).
Please
do not forget that from July 1 to September 2, the single Sunday worship
service commences at 9:00 am. Summer has arrived, and many of us will be
away from St. James for part of this time. May the peace of the Lord be
always with you.
|
