Funds for Unending Evangelism and Love (FUEL) – Never Normal
Friends in Christ,
At work and at home, I hear frequent references to the terms “New Normal” and “Now Normal” as we expand our travel and perspectives again in a (somewhat) post-Covid world. I think it better to think of our life on this broken planet as “Never Normal” – full of health, work, and emotional challenges. But it is also Never Normal in that new and different and fun opportunities for making a difference for Christ and his people emerge every day. Our Mission and Deacon teams have adjusted to this Never Normal by refocusing activities and spending, as the VBS team just did in June. Things will be Never Normal for many months as we once again do church – and meetings, and fellowship, and fire pits and more – in person. Let’s embrace this variety and make it part of our success.
- Year-to-date (YTD) General Fund income (mostly your tithes and offerings) is $419,240, 6% below Budget.
- YTD General Fund spending (on staff and ministry programs) is $440,558, 9.6% below Budget. This reflects good cost control during Covid-19 by Session and Staff.
- Our General Fund balance sits at $107,363.25. Ordinarily our YTD shortfall in giving versus spending (-$21,318) would signal an empty or overdrawn bank account balance. We are still living to some extent on the 2020 Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) aid of circa $130,000.
- Q2 2021 giving slowed down significantly vs. Q1 – 15.6% or $30K lower, to be precise. This is a worrying trend heading into the summer months. At the rate of cash burn (shortfall in giving vs. expense) we saw in May or June, we would deplete our cash balance in Q1 2022.
Many of you expressed your concern and support for our Mission programs in January. I would broaden that theme to say that now is the time to rally support for all of our staff ministries through faithful summer giving. Your support via electronic giving is especially critical for planning the scope of what we can do in Q4 2021 and beyond.
Thanks for your stewardship (time, talent and YES treasure) for Christ,
Alan Roberts
Finance Elder
Rev. Jeff Quinto’s Scriptures For Life
“Scriptures for Life” has been the theme of these video devotions which began at the start of the pandemic. With this devotion, the bi-weekly video devotions have been renamed and this video explains how you can know that Scriptures are for life! Enjoy the newest video from the Executive Director of the Bethel Series and FPC church member, Jeff Quinto.
More upcoming events and information:
A visitation reminder…
Under current restrictions, hospitals are allowing patients to receive only 1 visitor each day (except clergy, who can go anytime). Before visiting the hospital, check with the family to verify that you can be that day’s visitor. Watch upcoming Connectors for updates to these hospital visitation rules.
Do you have a heart for serving and reaching people for Christ?
The Mission team is looking for members to develop and promote mission projects in our community and around the world. Interested in getting more information? Email Glenn Myers, Mission Team Elder.
Communications Volunteer: Are you tech savvy and interested in learning aspects of updating the FPC website and other entry-level tasks of communications at FPC? We are looking for someone high-school age or older for this internship-like position.
Camera Operators: Our online service video team is looking to add camera operators to our Wednesday morning recording sessions. This volunteer position requires experience with different camera settings and lighting situations, and some production experience would be helpful.
If you are interested in either of these opportunities, send an email to communications@myfpc.org to learn more.
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
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