Budgeting for our People, Programs, and Property

 1. Supporting Our People and Programs

 Through the strong leadership of our clergy, lay people, and other volunteers, we are blessed with wonderful education and worship programs. In 2012 we want to support not only these programs, but also those that make so many of them possible – specifically our clergy and staff.  The Vestry unanimously approved supporting a cost of living adjustment for the clergy and staff to be included in the adopted core budget.  We have gone several years without addressing this issue, and by including the increase in core, rather than discretionary, we are maintaining the value of their current compensation.   Additionally, we are maintaining leadership in outreach ministries. We plan to continue our support of programs such as Food for All, OCIM, Habitat for Humanity, and Alamance/Orange Prison Ministry. We also wish to continue our support for Iglesia El Buen Pastor in Durham and our friends at Dickerson Chapel, AME.  St. Matthew’s will again faithfully fulfill its diocesan asking. Outside of our own parish, St. Matthew’s is pledging just over $60,000 in core outreach with another $17,000 in discretionary.  Christian Education and worship comprise just over $55,000 of the core budget.

 2. Maintaining our Buildings and Grounds

Routine maintenance of the Church building, Rectory, Hayden Building, Ruffin House, and grounds requires both care and funding, but we must ensure we remain good stewards of this remarkable property. Maintenance and improvements to the church properties represent $37,400 of our core budget. Funding the discretionary items related to both People and Property would require a 10% total increase to the 2012 stewardship goal of $325,000. Any funds we raise above the 2011 goal and the 10% increase for discretionary spending would be used for program and outreach efforts.

 Thank you for giving thoughtful and prayerful consideration to our work at St. Matthew’s as you consider this year’s pledge.