41 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-5980
Rector's ramblings - NOVEMBER 2004
We have reached the time of year when our thoughts turn from outside things to those inside.
We have leaves to rake but most things outside are going to sleep and our chores change to inside needs. Furnaces need to be checked, wood brought in for fireplaces or stoves if we have them, wardrobes changed and seasonal decorations rediscovered. We naturally move from outward to inward thoughts as the days lengthen and darkness returns to dominate the day.
These are the practical aspects of our lives and the church goes through the same process. We switch from air conditioning to heating (with only a two week break), tighten up where we can our old buildings to conserve energy and worry about money.
Last year I spent some time in newsletter and announcements describing how increased costs of insuring, heating, and cooling our buildings have overtaken our income. Many responded generously and saved the day enough to get us through the hard winter and lean summer with our bills paid. Most of our costs are fixed ones, things we can’t control. This leaves only personnel as an expense variable.
Last year when I spoke of these things we had eight part-time staff people and three full time people in addition to myself. By the end of this year we will have four part-time and two full time members of the staff. Our systems and responsibilities are all being reviewed by professionals who have volunteered valuable time and expertise to this situation. Furthermore, we have been in a salary freeze for the past year while asking more of those who remain. At one time last summer three of us were holding our pay checks for the lack of money to cover them.
It is not that we are living lavishly and have room for other cuts in expenses. You are not receiving multicolored newsletters on slick paper every week and no one ever complains in winter of being too warm in church!
So the solution must come from you.
We are convinced that proportional giving according to one’s income if responded to by all in the parish will eventually solve this problem. That is why we simply ask each one to considering giving an increased percentage of their income over time until reaching a 5 to 10% Biblical tithe. I know we have the potential for success by this means. For example, if every earner in the parish was making only minimum wage and tithed it, this letter would not be necessary.
I know we are all mortgaged and committed financially in many ways, but we are also blessed in many ways and are a very fortunate people to live in this exciting area and be a part of such a wonderful church and parish family.
Please pray about these things and seek God’s guidance in your support for his work at Bethesda.
Thomas T. Parke
|
|
About
Us