Dear Friends,

            Every month I carefully review the financial reports of the church.  Although my husband is a banker, I am drawn to the numbers.  The numbers reveal many things about the status of the congregation.  The numbers communicate what we are doing as the body of Christ.  How our dollars are spent reflect the priorities we as a congregation have set.  These priorities guide and direct us.  Unfortunately, there are times when our giving or lack of giving drives our priorities rather than what we believe God has called us to do and to be.    I want you to be aware of the financial condition of Hope Presbyterian Church.

            Some of you want me to get to the bottom line.  How is the church doing financially?  This is not an easy question to answer because there are multiple issues that impact my response.  First, in 2009 we have been extremely blessed to receive a number of substantial grants.  These grant dollars have allowed us to expand our outreach to members of our community.  A portion of these grant funds ($8907.50) have offset the salaries of various staff members.  This has allowed our general fund to remain stable.  However, without these grants we would be struggling to meet our monthly expenses.  Second, our general fund giving is down from 2009.  Our budget for 2010 was slightly higher than 2009; however, our offerings have been less than 2009.  We need every person to do his or her part to help us reach our goal.  If giving does not increase in September and October the budget and finance committee and the Session will be forced to make cuts for 2011.  These cuts may include staff, programming, etc.  Third, with any facility there are always expenses for upkeep and general maintenance.  Hope Presbyterian Church has beautiful buildings and grounds.  It costs to keep our facilities looking topnotch.  (A letter will be forthcoming about a major project that must be completed in 2011.)  Fourth, we have numerous designated funds.   It is wonderful to have these funds which have been given to support specific purposes such as: missions, building fund, KGLH, music, the Director of the River of Hope Youth Center, etc.  However, these funds are restricted and can only be used for there designated purpose.  Although our bank statement shows a healthy balance, many of the funds cannot be used to pay general expenses.                                                                                     

            Hope Presbyterian Church has been known for its generosity.   I have been told on numerous occasions that when this congregation knows there is a need they will rise up to the challenge.  I ask you to prayerful consider your financial contributions to our church.  Without your gifts we will not be able to accomplish all that God has called us to do and to be.  You can make a significant difference.                                                                                                         

            I know that some of you reading this are struggling to pay your own bills.  I recognize these are difficult days.  However, there are some who are able to do more because of the blessings God has bestowed upon them.  If God has blessed you, may you be a blessing to others.  Please consider making an additional gift to Hope Presbyterian Church.

God Bless,
Pastor Candace

Greetings from Pastor Hier

       What's new on the visitation scene?  Recently I happened by one of our families at an awkward time, convenient for me, but maybe not the best time to stop.  I said, "Is this a bad time to stop?"  "O no," she said. "Come on in. Any time is a good time to stop and see us."

       Well, as it turned out it was 11:45 a.m. and they were having lunch and so I wound up being a guest for lunch.  Though they are not as young as they used to be, it was no problem for her and we had a good visit as well!  When I left she again said, "Come any time!"

       Fear not reader, I won't be knocking on your door at noon!

       On another visit I was welcomed as an angel! This visitation thing can be a good thing! Contrary to the first call above, the timing was right and I met an obvious need.

       Jan and I were recently blessed too.  A young lady who had been a small child in our Byron church back in the 70's called us out of the blue and came to visit.  Jan especially had touched her life through Bible School and Sunday School.  We had a lovely time together and the timing there was also right.  I was preaching at Hope and she attended services with us.  Thank you Candace and people for the opportunity.   It was my first time to experience preaching at the outdoor service. Thanks too for "the open door".