The Courier
March 2004
Volume 58, Issue 3
Of Course We Talk
About Money All the Time
For the past nine years I have returned to the three strengths needed for faithful parish ministry: strength of vision, strength of personnel, and strength of financing. All three are needed, and must work in harmony for a parish to fulfill its calling as a “community called out” – a church. If one is weak, the others suffer. Sometimes I hear about people in the parish complaining that “we always talk about money!” Of course we do, because money is often the “fuel” by which we are able to continue our journey in ministry. It is one of the strengths and they must, must, must work together.
For example, all the money in the world is useless if it has no clear place to be applied, in other words, no vision. A couple of years ago at Diocesan Convention, one of the delegates stood up to bemoan the low level of funding for “Social Concerns” of the Diocese, around $23,000. Immediately others jumped to the microphone pledging thousands of dollars to supplement the line in the budget. A resolution passed which called for a fund-raising campaign that would bring the amount of money for “Social Concerns” to $100,000. As I listened to the enthusiasm on the Convention floor, I couldn’t help wonder if the Social Concerns Committee wanted an extra $77,000. Would they know what to do with it? Would they be good stewards of it? Did they have a vision for that much money? In the end, the campaign fizzled, so we never found out if the vision matched the proposed funding.
In the same way, a clear vision and substantial funding is
of no value if there are no people with time, talent, and training to execute
the ministry.
At the February Vestry meeting we learned that the pledged income for 2004 is lower than hoped. For a variety of reasons, we see a deficit of about $20,000. Some of our pledgers from last year moved away. Some have died. Some have left the parish. Still others have experienced a change in their financial standing, due to retirement or poor market performance. For many reasons, we are not experiencing the financial strength we have enjoyed in the past few years.
As with any institution that experiences financial difficulties, the Vestry will be addressing the concern of regaining our financial strength. People in the parish will be hearing about plans. We will talk about money. Look for it. We do so, not to bombard our members with financial talk, but in order to complement the strength of vision and strength of personnel-lay and ordained, salaried and volunteer. The solutions to financial woes are fairly standard: conduct fund-raising events, trim the budget, and increase the number of households able to pledge to the work of the congregation.
In the midst of talk about money, however, we will talk about the other strengths too. We will continue to articulate our vision for ministry and evangelism, listen to the discussion of the Center of the Square development, and plan for renovating our sanctuary. We will continue to offer worship, classes, and workshops to form disciples such as the Lenten series and Adult Forum and Companions events. Our youth groups are being formed, albeit slowly, but steadily as well. There is much to be done.
We will talk of money. But we will talk of other things as
well. To neglect money would be to neglect our calling.
Michael
A Note from God
|
March 7 |
Psalm 27:10-18 |
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 |
Philippians 3:17-4:1 |
Luke 13:(22-30)31-35 |
|
March 14 |
Psalm 103:1-11 |
Exodus 3:1-15 |
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 |
Luke 13:1-9 |
|
March 21 |
Psalm 31:1-8 |
Joshua ( |
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 |
Luke 15:11-32 |
|
March 28 |
Psalm 126 |
Isaiah 43:16-21 |
Philippians 3:8-14 |
Luke 20:9-19 |
FROM THE WARDEN
When we think of a winter “get away” in January, I suspect
many of us think of being somewhere warm and sunny. The Vestry Retreat this
year was held at the
Even so the “get away” effect was certainly there. To be
away from our other responsibilities for a couple of days provided us with the
opportunity to spend some serious time getting to know each other better. Those
of us who were already on the Vestry were pleased to greet the newly elected
members, to hear their views and share with each other our own experiences in
It is not hard to notice when you gather with a dozen or so
others, particularly in the ambiance of a “retreat,” that their views on almost
any topic will be different: in many instances that diversity will drive the
solution to a particular issue. In other cases it will promote the kind of
debate that will serve as a base for building on and moving toward changes or a
new program. What was particularly encouraging was the willingness of everybody
to engage, to participate, to make their position known and yet to respectfully
heed the views of others. As we look to our future here are
On issues of substance we revisited our mission statement, listening to guidance on the nuances of the wording from one of our members. We spent time understanding our sources of income, the need to expand the number of people who attend and pledge, fundraising, the role of the endowment etc. Probably the newer members were surprised to learn how large a portion of our expenses are fixed costs charged against that income. Our treasurer explained many of those expenses and suggested ways in which we might enable certain capital expenses to be excluded from the base for determining our diocesan assessment. We heard a suggestion from the Rector about a possible new additional use for the Parish House. We looked again at restructuring our committees to be able to focus more resources on growth without detracting from current missions within Parish Life and Community Ministry. The weekend concluded with a Vestry meeting and the appointment of individual vestry members to the different committees.
If you would like to know more about The Trinity Conference Center their web site is at http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/center
John Colclough, Sr. Warden
VESTRY NOTES
At the February
meeting of the
Transferred the annual appeal for Episcopal Relief and Development from the season of Advent to the season of Lent, to begin in 2005;
Accepted a report from the Treasurer of the Capital Campaign, Anne Strain, showing a balance of approximately $127,000 in the account;
Received a final report from the Annual Fund Team, Sally Vasse and Don Moore, Co-Chairs, showing a decrease in the pledging for 2004 compared to 2003;
Viewed a proposed 2004 budget that proposes a deficit, and made plans to revise the budget accordingly;
Heard a report from Property about the collapse of the furnace chimney in the Parish House, its planned renovation, and subsequent clean-up of the rooms. Property is negotiating payment of these expenses with our insurance carrier;
Learned of Property’s solicitation of bids for needed roofing work on the Parish House, in order to preserve the integrity of the building;
Tabled a decision to disburse a $5,000 donation from the Schlobach Trust.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
The DEADLINE for input in the April issue of “The Courier” is Sunday, March 18. Please be sure to have all information to Michele Haynes (452-8220 or christchurch@mindspring.com) by that date. Any form of input is gratefully received. You don’t have to be experienced in writing to submit anything. I will make it work for you! Also, if you no longer wish to receive our newsletter, please call me at 845-452-8220 or e mail me at christchurch@mindspring.com and I will remove your name from the mailing list.
Thank you. Michele Haynes
LENTEN SERIES, 2004
Parish Life has been putting together a series of evenings
for our consideration during Lent. The format will remain similar to what has
been offered in past years. We will begin with a “stand up” Eucharist at 6 PM.
However, during dinner, we will begin a video tape lecture of the Rec. Dr.
Bruce Chilton, of
DIRECTORY UPDATES
Barbara Harrington: Phone # 845-229-6842
E-mail Address B3869H@optonline.net
Please notify me if there are any additions or corrections for the directory.
Thank you,
Michele Haynes,
Parish Secretary
DON PEARSON
Don Pearson, who died on
A TOO MANY TIMES TOLD
TALE
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, I think. Just a week ago I was working: not making much but holding my own, sort of. Compliments were coming from my boss on the way I handled my job and I was looking forward to better times – until the end of that Wednesday, when the pink slip came, just before the rent was due, too. Now I don’t know where I’ll sleep tonight; it’s cold, and all I have left is what is on my back. Everything else I had – what there was – is gone. God knows where.”
Night is the worst time: feral, primitive. People about on the streets don’t know they are standing right next to another civilization; one that is primitive, with its own rules, if you could really call them that. I’ve already become pretty good at hiding, trying to wake up whole, without frost bite or worse.
But the worst is not the physical stuff; it’s knowing that I am no longer part of the same civilization. People look at me different now, like I really don’t belong on this planet with “real people” anymore. They spot me coming when I want to ask for work, for help, for anything.
The physical part is tough enough though as well. It takes a lot of energy to keep moving; to keep from getting busted for vagrancy or trespass. I can get a meal at a shelter sometimes but it’s just not enough. And scavenging for food is a real art form; trying to get some nutrition without a disease.
I know I have to get myself into a program somewhere but there are a lot more of us on the street now and there are waiting lists. Maybe I can keep myself together and safe until something good happens but every day seems like that is further away. Which reminds me; I saw an old roll of carpet behind one of the stores. If its still there, I could use it to roll up and keep out some of the cold tonight.
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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
The homeless population in
Thank you,
David Newsome
FROM THE BATON OF
LAURA RUSSELL, MUSIC DIRECTOR
John Sullivan’s Organ Recital on February 9th was a great success! Nearly one hundred people came to hear “Fantasies, Fanfares, & Jigs – O My!” – a delightful exploration of lighter, foot-tapping organ works.
February services – healing of the pain of racism was for me a deeply meaningful collaboration of music, liturgy and prayer, which culminated for the choir in a concert of “Songs of Healing, Freedom, and Forgiveness.” I continue to feel blessed to be in the company of a choir who cares so deeply and who shares their musical gifts in worship. It is also deeply satisfying to me to have music to be included so intimately in our worship. Collaborating with Michael, Mary, and John on this February project has meant a great deal to me. Those of you who were unable to attend the concert in person may purchase a CD of the choir’s performance by contacting Laura Russell at the church office.
The benefit cello concert that
2003 Spring Concert Series at
Sunday, March 2nd
at
Come hear the “Mistral Trio” with Ann Churukian on oboe, Joanna Schroer on Clarinet, and Elizabth Ronamo on bassoon as they play early 20th century French music by Auric, Canteloube, Stravinsky, and Saint Saens. This concert will take place in the Community Room.
Christ Church Spring
Choir Concert – Saturday May, 3rd at
Come hear the Christ Church Choir and Orchestra perform
Mozart’s Solemn Vespers, Haydn’s The Heavens are Tellin”,
Britten’s Te
deum and Bruckner’s Tota pulchra est.
All the concerts are free and open to the public. Donations to the Music Concert Fund are always welcome!
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
“Extra Money”
We exceeded our goal of $350,000 for the capital campaign.
Thanks have already been expressed to all of our donors and workers. I now add
mine. Thank you. I believe we are building good things for the future of
Because we exceeded our goal. I have already been asked by at least two people, “What will we do with the “extra money?”
Please listen carefully to my response. “We don’t have any extra money, at least not yet.” What we have are pledges and estimates for work. We do not have money in the bank, nor do we have contractor’s bills to be paid. Anyone who owns a house knows that once work is begun on a project, it can easily cost more than originally intended. The estimates may be fine, or off by a little, or off by a lot. On the income scale, some people who made pledges might move away, or lose their job, or decide for all sorts of reasons that they cannot make good on their pledge. I hope this won’t happen,, but it might. Finally, some of the estimates were given in 2002 dollars. Some of the work will not be performed until 2005. Inflation will likely have an effect on those estimates.
Therefore, our goal is to work diligently on all the projects outlined in the campaign materials until it is completed to our satisfaction. In other words, we need to do what we told the donors we would do, and do it well. When that happens, at that point, if there is still money in the account, we will have “extra money” and the Vestry will establish a process for deciding what to do with those funds. Until then, let’s focus on the work in front of us.
Michael.
AN EVENING OF DINNER
AND THEATRE
On April 26, Parish Life will be holding its first
fundraiser. The money raised will be used to fund the Catechesis of the Good
Shepherd Program. It is a combined dinner and theatre event. We will begin by
serving a dinner in the Community Room of Christ Church starting at
Cost: $45 per ticket includes dinner and the show.
Eileen Ivers “has established herself as the world’s pre-eminent exponent of the Irish fiddle. Backed by her brilliantly versatile band, Eileen creates programs that showcase a unique Irish-fusion sound, drawing upon a wide range of musical styles while remaining true to Celtic traditions”.
A sign up list will be kicking around on a clipboard near and about Michelle’s office. So put this post-Easter date in your calendar.
This event is open to everyone, so please help us by selling tickets to your friends, neighbors, family and co-workers.
Call James Monteith for further details at 471-1952.
Lenten Study Series
Dates: March 12, 19, and April 2 & 9.
All dates are on Wednesdays
CHRIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH ANNUAL KIRK RUMBLE SILENT AUCTION AND SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER
The Silent Auction and Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will
take place on Tuesday, March 4. The supper and auction bidding will begin at
Thank you.
ASHES FOR LENT
Please bring your palm branches from last year and deposit them in the box provided. They will be burned on Shrove Tuesday.
The Summer Camp Committee is working on plans for the thirty-sixth year of
our respected six-week program for children going into first through fifth
grades. We are very happy that
Thank you.
DIRECTORY UPDATE
The following are additions to the 2003 Directory:
Ruth Anderson The Rev. Elena Thompson
10 Rinaldi Blvd.
#5K
473-1792
Dutchess Outreach is in need of food pantry items. Suggested donations are as follows:
Canned meat, tuna, chicken Canned stew, chili, hash
Dried & canned soups Macaroni and cheese
Spaghetti sauce Cold cereal and oatmeal
Peanut butter and jelly Baked beans
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