Mid-Year Financial Update

Dear Fellow Saint Mark Family,

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of our church family for your generous support this year. All gifts - financial, as well as time and service - are directly responsible for the success of our ministry.

We are pleased (or cautiously encouraged) with our financial progress this year. Despite a current deficit of $19,852, we have received $457,106 out of our total $1,212,197 Operating budget, a fair ‘mid-year’ standing considering such hard economic times. Our concern is that our 2009 budget does not include a "rainy day" contingency fund to cover an end of year deficit.

As you may recall, this past fall all department heads, along with the Financial Committee spent a great deal of time, with much heartache, analyzing spending and cutting budgets in preparation for this difficult economic year. We are truly grateful for everyone who has not only kept our programs going, but also initiated new outreach opportunities and seen our church prosper in 2009. It is an exciting time to be a part of the Saint Mark family.

As with any family, it takes a consistent cash flow to pay the bills and to fund our many diverse ministries. We recognize that individual financial circumstances are subject to change, and we are very sensitive to the many demands placed on all of our personal budgets. However, if you have not made a pledge this year, it is not too late. If you have pledged, we ask that you prayerfully consider whether you can increase your giving, even by a small amount or one time gift. If you are able to make a pledge, or need to notify us of a financial strain which may not allow you to meet your estimated giving, please contact Deana Hilton in the Business Office. Gifts and pledges may also be made in the weekly offering plate and online at stmarkumc.org.

Our 2009 Financial Committee sees communication as a key to the health of our congregation. Saint Mark is a great family and by working together, informed of our financial health, including surpluses and shortfalls, we will be able to plan effectively for the future. If you have any questions or concerns about the financial health of Saint Mark, I urge you to candidly discuss them with our Senior Pastor Jimmy Moor, Administrative Council Chairperson Cheryl Grisham, or with me.

May God bless you and keep you in His care,
G. Taylor Yarbrough
Finance Committee Chair