AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT STEWARDSHIP
AND ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
As our annual Stewardship season draws towards its completion, we on the Stewardship Team feel it is important all of us know that over the past several years, St. Thomas has been operating at a financial loss. Our normal operations, including the wonderful outreach we do, cost more than we take in. With just a couple of years where unexpected, generous donations came in at the end of the year that allowed us to finish the year “in the black”, we are normally forced to dip into our reserves to finish out the year. This cannot go on unchecked!
We are indeed fortunate that we don’t have to service debt, but effectively we’re “mortgaging” our future by not paying our way each year. In 2021, we budgeted Pledge Income of $266,490. We had to include a transfer of $63,048 out of our Memorial Fund to “balance” the budget. Such large transfer amounts are unsustainable as we look to the future.
It may be unrealistic to think we can come up with another $60,000 to $70,000 during this pledge campaign to avoid having to use reserves in the 2022 year, but we believe we must set a goal of $30,000 above what we pledged last year ($296,490) to start closing the gap in funding the normal operating expenses of our beloved parish.
Please continue to hold the “Every Perfect Gift” campaign in your prayers as you consider how you will participate in the stewardship of our Doubter community!
