As many of you have heard over the past two Sundays we have several financial needs impacting our church. First, we are not receiving adequate funding to support the yearly budget. At this time we are only collecting about 80% of what is required to meet our budget. With this 80% we are taking care of our daily requirements such as utilities, salaries, insurance, etc. But due to this short fall we have only paid a small percentage of our apportionments and we are only paying the interest on our existing capital loans. It should be noted that even this interest payment is not coming from the budget, but is coming from the balance remaining in the Hope Campaign building fund account. Second, the Audio Visual systems in our sanctuary are badly in need of replacement. We have been discussing this for a number of years but have never had the monies to fund its replacement from our budget. After discussion within the Trustee committee, the Finance committee and the Church Council, we have concluded that we need to make some recommendations to you concerning both these needs.

First, the budget shortfall. While it is not unusual for us to have a budget short fall this time of the year, this one is greater than usual and is getting worse. We felt that we needed to apprise you of this condition before it became unmanageable. The budgeted amount for the apportionments and the debt reduction is approximately $160,000 with the majority being the debt reduction. Some of the original givers to the Hope Campaign have continued their giving even after completing their 3 year commitment. We would like to suggest that everyone follow their example and restart their giving to the capital needs of our church. During the Hope Campaign we received an average of about $275,000 per year. As you can see, even a percentage of this would go a long way towards meeting the needs of our capital requirements. Also we would like anyone who is new to our church or those who did not give before to consider giving towards our capital needs. We would like you to consider continuing with this giving throughout this year and until we are able to cover the debt service from the monies received toward our budget or we have another capital fund raising drive.

Since this money would be applied to our capital needs and not address the other budget shortfalls, we would like you to consider, if you can, increasing your regular giving to the church. We know this is asking a lot. We know that some of you are not working at this time and your budget does not allow you to continue with your regular giving much less give extra. But for those who can and who know that the Holy Spirit is within our church just waiting for us to step up to the plate, please consider these requests.

Second, the Audio Visual System replacement. As you can see, there is no way we can fund the replacement of this from our budget. Also we do not feel that we should borrow the money and add to the church’s debt. Therefore we would like to propose a one time commitment from our members to raise the monies necessary to pay for the replacement of the Audio Visual System. The total cost of the system being proposed is approximately $150,000. We know this is a lot of money but we all feel that the replacement of this system is vital to the well being of our church. This is the digital age. If we want to be one of the growing and vivacious churches in our area, we must offer the programs and presentations that are available to us through this digital medium. We feel this is what the young families who visit our church are used to and expect. Besides being attractive to new families, it will also enhance the church service for all of us. Many of us are already dependent on the video presentations, that is, when we can see them. Also we hear the problem with our audio system with the static in the speakers and the mics cutting out during services. We have become used to these temporary speakers which you can hear if you are sitting up front but are barely adequate anywhere else in the sanctuary.

What this means is that we will need to have 1500 gifts of $100 each or 300 gifts of $500 each or 150 gifts of $1000 each or 30 gifts of $5000 or 6 gifts of $25,000 each. Of course what we hope for is to receive a combination of the above. The time period we have allowed to raise this money is 3 weeks. The bid we have for this work is only good until June 21. It is based on them being able to perform the work while they are in the area doing other jobs.

We appreciate your help in these matters. Our Church Council leaders have already committed half the amount needed for the new Audio Visual system. Please make your commitment by returning the enclosed card to the church by June 21.

Thank you.