Well church, there has been a lot of moving parts since the first of the year with plenty of meetings and conversations together and individually that have been loaded with a multitude of feelings. Conversations began in December about the projected deficit of nearly $60,000 for the calendar year of 2026, based on committed pledges and projected expenses. This is something that has been ongoing for several years. The Finance Team has communicated that a few times since I have been here. Giving to the General Fund was higher last year than the past two calendar years (2023 and 2024). I give thanks and praise to God for that! Missional giving continues to increase or remain closely to the years prior - again, praise God! The challenge that we have before us is that our congregation is not getting younger, nor is our building. The first Sunday in January, I met with the Endowment Team at the request of the Ad Council to explore options that we might have to utilize funds more creatively from the Endowment. What was affirmed is that we are using the Endowment Fund Earnings as creatively as we can to maximize the impact for expenses that are in alignment with how they can be utilized, per the Endowment Charter. Don Cooley has written an article later in the Chimes for you to learn more. We held the Special Church Conference on Feb 15 All motions passed. We are moving on with next steps with the Historical Society and our Endowment Loan Debt has been forgiven. The proceeds will be placed in a special account, per the language of the motions that were approved. Please ask your questions to leadership or myself about ANY of the topics we have been discussing. Questions increase understanding and help engage us in healthy conversations. Leadership can communicate more effectively when the questions are being asked. Please help us communicate what you want to know in ways that you understand by asking questions until you get answers that help fill in the dots. I am committed to keeping the church informed and I will continue to challenge leadership to hold meetings with you. It is also your responsibility to stay engaged and understand the status of the church. The Ad Council agreed in January that it is time for us to engage a process called the "Local Church Assessment." This process helps walk a church through a more comprehensive review of the church, it's assets physically, financially and people resources as well as the capacity and need for ministry in the community. If you would like to be part of the team working with the facilitators, please let me know. I would LOVE to include more than the Ad Council Team to broaden the circle of understanding, experience and history.
While I understand the news above is challenging, as indeed, we are in our 175 Anniversary Year. I wonder – How are you engaging with the 175 Anniversary Celebration? In February, there was a well attended potluck following worship, there were plates of cookies that assembled on February 7 and delivered the same weekend to our homebound members and friends. Have you documented your random acts of kindness for our 175 Acts of Kindness Challenge and brought them in to be counted?? Have you filled out your recipe card for the cookbook? Your participation will help make a larger impact in the community and beyond. Ask a team member how else you can be involved - there are history documents to be reviewed, stories to be told, details to be planned for the internal celebration and a celebratory timeline to be created. Finally, it's Lent - may this wilderness journey challenge, strengthen and bless you!
Together in ministry,
Pastor Kayla
