Strong and Growing
I was just going over the treasurer's report for April and May, the beginning of our fiscal year. We started the year out with a large gift which has usually comes at the end of December. It is great to have the money in the bank, so we are trying not to spend it now, because expenses will be higher in the winter.
So far we have spent $5,300 less than the budget, and about $2,000 less than we have received in regular giving. The general fund balance is now (May 31) $34, 472.75. We have been carefully protecting this balance for the last few years. We know that some big items will be coming up in the next few years, and we want to be prepared. We will need some parking lot maintenance next year, and will probably face some challenges in staffing over the next few years.
I told you earlier that I will turn 66 next April, and am considering my options. I want to work a few more years, because I still have a few goals that I want to accomplish before I retire. (Also I would probably be bored a great deal if I didn't work). I also talked about a young man who I believe has the gifts and the passion to help build this church up. The leadership team continues to work on the possibilities and how this might work out. We are not in a hurry to get a quick answer, we want to do it right and within the will and purpose of God.
I have to say that I have felt the call of God to work with this church for many years. The issues have changed, and I have changed, but my sense of being called by God has remained constant. I believe that in the last few years we have properly established the right vision for this congregation. I believe that the association with Genesis is healthy and offers great promise for the future. My hope is to see this church strong and growing, and within the next 3 or 4 years to have the strength to start a third church in Converge Iowa City.
Please pray with me that God will lead in all of the decisions to be made over the next few years, and in the budget and the timing. If we hear His word, and follow His lead, the details will fall into place. That is not to say that it will be easy, but nothing worth pursuing is ever easy. Let's work to get it right.