August 2011 Update to the Parish
Report to the Parish Regarding the Parish Council Meetings
The August Parish Council meeting occurred on the 22nd with all members in attendance. We again spent considerable time discussing financial issues. 157 Stewardship Pledges in the amount of $267,549 have been received so far this year. We have also received 82 Capital Campaign Pledges in the amount of $201,418. Both of these efforts are less than our expectations. As we looked deeper into these results we found some disturbing trends. During 2009, 2010 and 2011 we have lost 45 pledges from individual who have passed away or moved away. These 45 pledges represent about $38,000. In addition 51 people reduced their 2010 pledge representing a loss of $34,000 in revenue and 20 people have reduced their 2011 pledge in the amount of $27,000.
During this same time frame we have seen new and increased pledges. 86 people increased their 2010 pledge in the amount of about $40,000 and 52 people have increased their 2011 pledge in the amount to $23,000. While these trends somewhat offset each other, the net is a $35,000 reduction in annual Stewardship pledges over the last couple of years.
These financial trends highlight the importance of bringing our “lost Sheep” back into the fold and attracting new members. Your Parish Council understands this need and continues to work on improving our stewardship. We believe that Education, Outreach and a continued dialog with the community is critical to our success.
Unlike most religious organizations, the amounts pledged are not available to the Stewardship Committee. Our community has historically allowed only the Priest, President, Treasurer and Bookkeeper to have access to individual information. Confidentially is always maintained. The down side of this practice is that the Stewardship Committee does not have the opportunity understand why people reduce their pledge. Clearly, the current economy is a major reason for this trend. However, we also believe that many times a reduction in a pledge is due to our people being dissatisfied with something. In some cases we see individuals reduce their pledge and within a few years they no longer attend our parish. The Parish Council is working with the Stewardship Committee to develop a plan which maintains confidentially while allowing us to talk to individuals about their financial commitment to the community. We believe this communication is critical to the future of the community.
The Stewardship Committee is completing the plan for 2012. December 4th has been selected for Commitment Sunday for our 2012 Stewardship Efforts. Please look for further communications regarding this important effort.
A general discussion occurred regarding various schedules and services. The Parish Council fully supports Father Constantine’s decision to maintain all current schedules for weekly Services and Sunday school until he has had time to understand the community’s needs. These schedules will be re-evaluated in the next year. Further, Father stated that this will be the normal process for him as he becomes more familiar with the community, talks to people, learns of our needs and moves the community forward.
We continue to collect bids to replace the floor in the Kitchen and Hall. Scott Carlile has also been gathering repair/replacement information for our roof and the design of the new sign on Wornall is proceeding. We should have design and cost information for our General Assembly meeting this year.
Budget time is upon us again. Each of our Ministries should be submitting their budget requests in the next 60 days.
Thank You…
Tom Vleisides, Parish Council President