Dear Members and Friends:
Attached is the
proposed budget for 2010. Members will vote on this budget on
Sunday, December 6 at a congregational meeting right after the 2nd
service.
The budget represents a 6.6% increase ($17,921) over 2009. The
majority of this increase results from changes in the following line
items:
An additional $1,000 for missions.
$10,000 for capital improvements (new carpeting). $5,000 of
this is being transferred from what would normally be allotted to
pay down mortgage debt (additional principal).
A $1,500 increase to meet facility maintenance costs.
$5,000 to set aside (in savings) for future staffing needs.
This amount is contingent, i.e. it will be put into savings
only if we meet budget or our income exceeds expenses.
Can we afford this increase? To meet this budget ($290,882) we need
to average $5,594 income per week. As of November 15, our average
weekly giving for 2009 is $5,485 (This includes the offering we “gave
away” on May 4). Our average weekly giving during the 4th
quarter (Oct thru Nov. 15) is $5,594. It appears that we are in a very
good place and the budget is well within reach.
On December 1 at 7 p.m. at Elim, the Elders and Stewardship Team
will be available to meet with anyone who has questions or comments.
