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Dear Friends,
I hope this finds each of you well, and enjoying the beautiful sunshine.
We had smallish group at business meeting last week, and I thought I'd
like to update folks about what was decided, even before the meeting
minutes are available.
The major consideration of the meeting was a serious look at our
financial situation. The last few months have been pretty rough, and
giving has not covered rent, let alone other expenses. We have covered
this with significant savings transfers for the last two months. Our
savings is dwindling. Ministry and oversight brought the
recommendation that we only pay a pastoral stipend in months where the
giving justifies it. (months where giving exceed the rent by $300 or
more) We believe that this will get us into the fall in our present
space and hopefully into better times. The next step would be to move
into smaller and/or less expensive space.
Pastor Peggy is supportive of this step and assured the meeting that
she could pastor as a volunteer as needed this year. The meeting
approved the recommendation with much sadness, but also hopefulness.
We are asking all members and regular attenders to prayerfully
consider their giving.
Ministry and Oversight believes that most Friends are giving what they can
and are struggling financially themselves. We do not want to pressure
or "guilt" anyone--
this is not what we are about. We are about being responsible for our
life as a community--
and being reasonable and realistic. So, we may need to make more changes in the
future, depending on how long these challenging financial times last.
We also may continue
to be surprised by God-- and we are most open and welcoming of that too.
We do want Friends to prayerfully consider tithing any tax refund that
they might receive this year. If we all do this we might be able to
put together a cushion to get us through the year.
Please join us in prayer for the meeting and for all the members of
the meeting struggling with underemployment and unemployment. We
believe that Freedom Friends is a project dear to the heart of God and
that God will provide through our faithfulness.
If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact
myself, or the treasurer.
--
Alivia Biko, clerk
Freedom Friends Church
Salem, Oregon
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