First of all, thank you to each and every one of you who continues to support the work and life of St. Paul’s through regular gifts of your prayers, time and treasures. All are vital and much appreciated.
Following this link – http://www.stpaulsunited.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-Budget-Actuals-October-Monthly-Income-Expenses.pdf – you will find the most current financial information. Our budget was adopted in July, when the COVID pandemic was well underway. We knew that rental and fundraising income (Lines 2 & 5) would not likely be forthcoming. With the exception of parking, which has somewhat rebounded, that proved to be a correct assumption.
So we are especially reliant on Weekly Offering (Line 1). Our monthly budget for this item is $18,000, which is slightly below actual givings in 2019. You’ll see if you follow Line 1 across the spreadsheet that we only met our budget in February. What has kept us going is COVID help from the federal government (Line 6) and the rental property account (Line 3). It should be noted that the balance in the rental account is being maintained at $30K as per the congregation’s resolution but everything over that amount is being transferred into operating.
We have the opportunity to boost our revenue somewhat through the Fundscrip campaign that was launched earlier this month. The information is http://www.stpaulsunited.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/stpauls-order.pdf and I encourage you to purchase cards for gifts and, even more importantly, for your regular shopping. The next order will go in December 6th.
Aside from Finances, I am sure you are wondering about what will happen in January. Please be assured that the Worship Committee, M&P and the Board are working diligently to make sure that worship in 2021 proceeds uninterrupted. We are also looking into pastoral care for January to May. I can’t thank Rev Richard enough for his incredible work, both to get us through 2020 and to be ready to face the new year. Richard, we absolutely couldn’t have done it without you.
Note from Heritage & Resource:
The Advent season is fast approaching, and we know that many of you prefer to give a lump sum for the year, or out of your investments. We want you to know how much we appreciate these gifts and what a difference they make in the life of the Church. They don’t just keep the lights on – they keep ministry alive in this place! Though our in-person activities have been reduced, the work of the Church is definitely ongoing, and it cannot happen without you.
As this unusual year comes to a close, we are also asking that you consider making any year-end contributions earlier than usual. Receiving your gifts earlier helps us in two ways. First, it allows us to ensure that everything is entered by December 31st, 2020. Our hope is to have as little of what 2020 was spilling over into what 2021 could be. Second, the earlier we have numbers, the sooner we can finalize our plans for the year ahead, something that is particularly important as we navigate these unsettled times.
If there is any way we can assist, or you have questions about giving in the midst of the pandemic, please reach out to the office at 458-1183.
Heading into the last few weeks of 2020, your support and prayers and action are critical. What can you do to help?
Yours in Christ
Jane
Board Chair