Grace Lutheran Church

Steps Beint Taken To Reduce the Budget Deficit

Steps Being Taken to Reduce the Budget DeficitIn 2007 we are spending 15% more than we received in offerings. At the end of this year we anticipate being $25,000 short. In the past years we have filled this budget gap by spending our savings. It would appear at the current rate of spending versus what is being received by the congregation in offerings we have about two and a half years before we have emptied our savings.In your own homes you know what happens if you continue to spend more money than what you are receiving. It is a habit that cannot continue.In the life of our congregation tough choices have to be made in order to bring down spending. Each of us in our homes is called upon to make the tough choices necessary in order to increase giving. A balanced budget puts us into a position where long term we can continue to be witnesses of the Gospel in this community.The Church Council of Grace Lutheran Church will present a budget at the December 16th Voters’ Meeting. A copy of the proposed budget will be found in the December Gleanings and can also be found on the table by the bell in the chapel. In preparing the proposed budget the Church Council identified the need to lower the 15% gap between spending and offerings. The proposed budget lowers the gap to 9%. This decrease in the gap is made through reductions in many areas.The most notable reductions found in the proposed budget, which will be presented at the December 16 Voters’ Meeting:

• reducing the amount spent on postage by instituting a mailbox system;
• reducing the hours of the secretary and custodian;
• changing the way mission agencies are supported;
• stopping the Saturday night worship service.

The reduction in the custodian’s hours will require our congregation to volunteer time and assist in the maintenance of the church property. Stewardship is certainly not just giving money but also our time.Previously certain mission agencies would receive direct support as a line item in our budget. The special mission chosen for each month would receive, regardless of congregation offering support, a donation through the budget. Proposed in this budget is no specific mission support outside of our Eastern District support. Mission agencies will continue to be highlighted in our Special Mission of the Month program, and it will be through this program that individuals in the congregation will be able to demonstrate support for specific agencies.Please plan on completing and returning on December 9th the 2008 Commitment form. Preparing yourself for next year by purposefully thinking about your giving will be important to you. Also, completion of the Commitment form will allow the Voters’ on December 16th to have good information when considering the budget.These changes would take place with the adoption of the proposed budget and become effective January 1, 2008. The Voters’ Meeting on December 16th is a forum for these proposals to be discussed.