Quarterly Letter, May, 2012
Dear Church Family,
As you may recall from last quarter’s letter, last December the Church Council only committed to a three month budget for 2012 based on estimates of revenue from pledges and historic giving patterns. Since that time the Unified Budget has been extended for the remainder of the year with the understanding that it will continue to be monitored as needed. Revenue, while strong in January and February, was slightly weaker in March. Through March 31 Unified Budget revenue was $92,815 against actual expenses of $105,773 and budgeted expenses of $112,019.
We do face challenges, but always with a spirit of confidence. One challenge we would like to share with you is what is commonly known as the “Summer Slump.” Summer is a great time for people to travel, relax and take time off from the daily routine. But while we are vacationing, the day-to-day operations of the church continue and we might easily forget to send our giving check to the church. Why not set up automatic electronic funds transfers with your financial institution, so that the financial well-being of your church is maintained while you enjoy your well-deserved time away? You can do this for all or some of your intended giving. A sign up form is enclosed and available on the church’s website. Contact Marcia Wadsten, our Financial Secretary, if you have any questions.
Did you know that your faithful and generous support makes a huge impact in the lives of people inside of FUMER as well as beyond the walls of our church? Let us share just a few examples:
Our children and youth. Every Sunday morning we have 48 children on average that come eagerly to learn more about God and Faith in our Christian Education programs, and 14 or more youths come to the Youth Group gatherings on Sunday afternoons.
March 25th was a memorable point in the life of our church as we welcomed many visitors to be a part of a historic moment. Our music department performed a Haydn Mass that had been written around the time of our nation’s founding!
Every month FUMER sends its tithe in the form of Ministry Shares that literally reach people all around the world wherever the United Methodist Church has a presence.
Thank you for making these ministries such as learning about the faith for our children and youths, and being in mission and ministry around the world, possible through your continued faithful giving.
On behalf of the Finance Committee,
Steven Peters, Chair
