What does the financial health of a church have to do with the spiritual health of a church? This is a question that I have often pondered. I want to share some of my thoughts on this matter.
A spiritually healthy church:
- has clergy who can focus on meeting the spiritual needs of the church and not worry about the financial needs of the church.
- has enough clergy to meet the spiritual needs of the church.
- has adequate support staff for the clergy.
- provides a music program that enriches the congregation and develops the musical talents of its members.
- has funds for staff and materials to educate both adults and children.
- has funds for outreach in the local community and beyond.
- provides a physical environment that is safe and pleasing.
- has members who are willing to sacrifice to create a spiritually healthy church.
2016 creates a double challenge for St. James’ Episcopal Church. Once again we have a deficit operating budget and we do not anticipate having the savings we were able to make in 2015. Our expected income is less than we received in 2015 and our expected expenses are greater that we encountered in 2015. Thus, our first challenge is to increase our income by at least $10,000 so we do not have to dip into our reserves and will have funds to transfer to the building fund. Our second challenge is to increase our pledge base by 10% annually over the next 4 years so that we can hire a half-time Assistant Rector.
The beginning of a new year is a time to set new goals. My goal is to have a church that is financially and thus spiritually healthy. I hope all of you will work towards this goal.
~Lynn Locher, Treasurer