By Ronald
Kelly
By Ronald
Kelly
As we begin 2001, it's time for all of us working with church finances to analyze our income and expenses for 2000.
Overall we are pleased that our financial picture is not bleak. It's not too rosy either, but we are thankful for a year of general financial stability. I'll wait till next month to summarize the year, so this month we concentrate on November numbers.
Our regular tithe and offering income was just over $1.6 million for the month, bringing the year-to-date mail income to $18.1 million. Mail income was supplemented in November by our fall festival season offerings of more than $900,000.
We have not yet completed tabulation of the fall offerings and also will have additional offerings from Thanksgiving to count. So far, festival or seasonal offerings are at $3.7 million for the year. These figures show income running about eight percent below the same period last year. If we continue to operate at a negative eight percent level, additional cuts will need to be made to maintain a reasonable budget.
As I have reported in previous months, this year we have had more estate donations than projected and we have continued the sale of personal property at the Pasadena campus. These contributions brought the year-to-date total to $27.1 million. These additional sources of income have taken some of the pressure off our budgeting process and have been a welcome blessing (although we are still expecting a nearly $6 million loss to reserves, as I have repeatedly explained).
Looking ahead to 2001, it is difficult to project estate donations and other forms of income. Of course we will no longer have furnishings, art and equipment left to sell, so we already know we cannot project these sources of income at the 2000 level.
That makes regular tithe and offering income coupled with festival and seasonal offerings the single most important factor in the future financial picture for our churches.
So while we do not plan to have pledge cards this year, we trust all of our members will prayerfully consider the financial needs of the church for 2001. And as we have so often said, a regular and consistent donation pattern is one of the most effective ways each member can rally to the needs of the church.
Our plans for relocation of the headquarters facility continue on a slow track. As I write this column the environmental impact study, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle that must be put in place, is in the hands of Pasadena City officials. They reviewed the study and solicited public input in December and January.
These things take a lot of time and energy, but at least the project keeps moving on track. Once the study has been approved, we pray the final development stages will take place and that escrow will close by mid year.
In the meantime, Legacy Partners has extended an opportunity for us to remain in the Hall of Administration for a few months after escrow closes. This will allow us to continue our evaluation of a future office facility, make the necessary preparations to renovate the new building and complete that project before the final move off campus.
Please continue to pray with us for a successful close of escrow and a smooth transition to a new location. At that point our financial attention can be largely devoted to funding our local church evangelism and outreach programs.
We can't thank you enough for your faith and patience through this long process. Our God is faithful and will see us through all our difficulties and trials.
For the Month For the Year-to-Date
Income
Donation Income $ 2,528,475 $ 21,869,186
Other income 325,467 5,308,145
Total income 2,853,942 27,177,331
Expenses 2,919,808 30,678,885
Net loss to bank reserves $ (65,866) $ (3,501,554)
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2001