During the 2013-2014 fiscal year, Shepherd of the Valley (SOTV) experienced a significant reduction in the gifts it receives to its mission and ministry. Since the beginning of the fiscal year in August 2013, giving is down 7% or about $185,000. The Church Council, with the Finance Committee, monitors giving and expenses on a regular basis.
Why It’s Important
Giving funds our inspirational worship and array of educational offerings that shape and grow faith, including dynamic children and youth ministries. In addition, SOTV serves those in need and brings healing and wholeness to a broken and hurting world. The people of SOTV serve others in hundreds of ways locally, in our own country, and around the world.
What is Being Done?The Council, Finance Committee, and church staff always work as a team to manage your gifts frugally and responsibly. In 2008, staff and council leadership began to work deliberately to reduce costs and maintain a “lean” staff structure for SOTV. This February, the Finance Committee directed staff to cut their program budgets by an additional 15%. There will be future implications for staffing levels if giving does not improve.
How You Can Help
The people of SOTV have a history of giving generously to make our church a welcoming, inspiring, giving, and serving community of faith. For all that to happen, consistent giving throughout the year is key.
- Consider using Simply Giving, a way to schedule gifts electronically. Sign up forms are available at the Welcome Center and online.
- We also ask that you prayerfully consider increasing your current giving, even if only by a little bit.
- And if you haven’t given to our mission before, please consider it. Every gift matters.
Thank you, as always, for your generous gifts!
There are many ways to give to the mission of SOTV - learn more on the stewardship page of our website. If you have any questions about the reduction in our giving, and the steps we are taking, please e-mail council@sotv.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment