This past Sunday we had an amazing meeting to talk about the realities of our parish. We have amazing people, a sizable chunk of land, 2 buildings, and money in the bank. We also have a deficit budget for the second year in a row and some big expenses for the Trinity Building on the horizon. We are not in crisis, but we have an opportunity to make strategic decisions for our future so that we can continue to serve our neighborhood and community for years to come!
We agreed on Sunday to create a staffing transition plan to reduce with our biggest expense- staff costs. With a half time pastor and half time administrator along with lots of support from out laity we can continue to be a vibrant faith community with lower costs. We are planning to make this change July 1, 2025 so we have 18 months to plan and change.
Of course many would like us to stay with a full time pastor and if our work over the next 11 months shifts things enough we will be able to stay with a full time pastor. We also can switch back to full time at any point when the finances are more balanced. Our five year plan is key to this work. You can find the plan here. Please let me know if you would like to join a team working on the plan or if you are feeling called to another area of volunteering.
We will continue to have leadership and team meetings throughout the coming year so watch the newsletter and weekly email for those opportunities.
I am so thankful for a community that will have the difficult conversations about the realities of doing ministry today and a community that will make strategic decisions while hoping and working for a better future. God is with us as we work!
-Eilidh
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