We Give From the Abundance of God's Gifts to Us
Sharing Generous Treasure 2008 Pledge Campaign at Skyline UMC
Budgeting Background
SKYLINE’S FISCAL YEAR 2009 - July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009
Timeline:
SPRING: Council and the Pathways submit proposed spending and
income for the coming year
FINAL APPROVAL: final approval mid-June (during
the Church Conference)
CONGREGATIONAL PLEDGES: critical for judging budget proposals &
planning for pursuing our vision
Table of Contents |
|
|
|
Why Pledge?
Pledging is a commitment to
God to return a portion of the gifts He gives all of us
- It’s an important step along our faith journey
- It’s a step God asks all of us to make as Christians.
Pledging helps Skyline understand the financial resources we will have available in the coming year to do God’s work.
- Can we cover our fixed costs?
- Can we fund some programs or needs that have been deferred?
- Will we have additional funds to launch new programs?
How
Much is Enough?
That’s a decision between you and God.
There’s no single and simple answer – you need to do what feels right to
you, given your current needs and circumstances.
Some points to consider:
- The Old Testament says we should tithe (give 10% of what we receive) back to God
- Any percentage represents
a commitment to return some of God’s gifts
- Tithing may not be possible or appropriate for everyone
- It might be more realistic for you to start with a smaller percentage of your income and build towards the goal of tithing over several years
- Giving helps develop a generous heart and feels good as you grow in faith
How
Much Do People Give?
2007 Donors gave a wide range of amounts ranging from <$100 to more than
$15,000. All donations were important to Skyline’s ability to meet its
financial obligations and to fund its programs. Totals of gifts at higher
giving levels were fairly comparable. But even the gifts at the lower giving
levels represent a significant ability for us to fund programs that can make
a difference for those in need.
- Other includes: Caring, Education, Outreach, Small Groups and Worship. Stretched plan includes: $1000 for seasonal Christian gifts and missions.
- Facilities includes: supplies & copier, Church utilities, telephone, cable, cleaning services and insurance. Stretched plan includes: an increase from $125 to $625/mo for maintenance and low cost replacements. No new capital items included.
- Staffing includes: salaries & benefits for Pastors and Administrative Assistant. Pastor salaries have been frozen since 7/1/05. Stretch plan includes: a salary increase of 10% vs. the 3% requested to make comparable with other pastors and a $13,992 provision for part-time youth, music, children and caring staff.
- Missions 2008 projection includes: $7833 Apportionments payment made 4/1/08 and projected future monthly payments of $2611. 2009 Request allows us to make reduced payments agreed to by Conference. Stretched plan provides: funds to pay pre-reduction amount. Off-budget support to missions not reflected.
- Checking Account .........................................$47,026
- Certificate of Deposit ....................................$ 5,177
- Earmarked Funds
- Appalachian Service Project .....................$ 3,485
- 1 Quarter Apportionments........................$ 7,833
- Memorial Fund ......................................$11,250
- NCC landscaping escrow..........................$ 5,177
- Community Assistance Fund ......................$ 129
- Available Operating Balance is .......................$24,329 (about 3 week’s expenses)
We have a goal to try to keep 4-6 week’s of operating cash available to meet our routine fixed expenses.
Monthly expenses averaged $32,462 fiscal ytd.
- Loan Amount ................................................. $ 800,000
- Term............................................................. 15 years (180 payments)
- Interest Rate ................................................. 6.5 %
- Monthly Payment ............................................ $ 6,969
- First Payment ................................................ September 1, 2004
- Total Payments ............................................. $1,254,394
- Total Interest ................................................ $ 454,394
- Principal Balance (April 1, 2008) ....................... $ 672,773
- Mortgage Holder ............................................. United Methodist Development Fund
If you have any questions related to Stewardship or this year's campaign, please feel free to contact one of the following people:
- Ron Durbin, Stewardship Chair
- Scott Wartel, Financial Secretary
- Jim Wagner
- Joe DiEmidio
- Peg Hart
- Judy Scheffey
