STEWARDSHIP TEAM

So many things to celebrate while in the presence of God’s Love! It’s been a fabulous year as we have been blessed with wonderful talent, support, and energy within the stewardship team.

The Stewardship team is primarily focused on overseeing and ensuring the proper care and management of the church's physical assets and financial resources. They work closely with the treasurer and financial secretary to review all fiscal decisions, ensuring that they align with the church's budget and financial goals.

In terms of the church's physical well-being, the Stewardship team takes responsibility for various tasks related to the maintenance and improvement of the buildings and grounds. This includes tasks such as soliciting bids for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) work, arranging for deep hypoallergenic cleaning of the Sanctuary, organizing repairs for sidewalks, and managing landscaping projects.

Overall, the Stewardship team plays a vital role in ensuring that the church's physical and fiscal aspects are well taken care of, allowing the congregation to focus on their spiritual growth and community outreach efforts.

This past year, we avoided drawing from our investments as requested by the congregation. We have created guidelines and policies for the usage of our spaces by both members and non-members alike. This provides a clear guideline for staff and groups utilizing our property.

In the next year we will be taking a deep dive into the fiscal future of St Andrew, creating a three- & five-year plan. We will be exploring new fundraising initiatives and grant opportunities to support these goals. This could include hosting community events, partnering with local businesses.

Overall, our goal is to work with the other St. Andrew leadership teams to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of St Andrew. By focusing on fiscal planning, facility usage, attendance, and program development, we are confident that we can create a vibrant and thriving community for all who come through our doors.

Considering our financial challenges, it is crucial for us to seek God's love and guidance as we navigate these issues. We acknowledge that the rising cost of living, insurance, and taxes are placing a strain on our budget. Additionally, the need for expensive repairs, such as the HVAC system in the sanctuary and the replacement roof of Stewart Hall, further add to our financial burden.

Although we managed our investments responsibly in the previous year, we anticipate a budget deficit of at least $20,000 in operating costs for the next year. Looking ahead, the following year is projected to have an even larger deficit.

To address these challenges, we will rely on God's guidance to explore potential solutions. This may involve seeking additional funding sources, implementing cost-cutting measures, or exploring alternative revenue streams. We understand that these financial difficulties require proactive and strategic planning, and we commit to seeking God's wisdom as we make necessary decisions.

We believe that together, we can create a supportive and uplifting community that fosters growth in all areas. To accomplish this, we are calling upon you, our valued members, and guests, to share your insights, talents, and financial support. We truly believe that every individual in our congregation has something unique to offer and we would be honored to have you contribute your time and skills to any of our teams.

The beauty of our team’s structure is that there is no pressure to make a long-term commitment. Whether you can spare a day a month, or just an occasional visit, your involvement will be greatly appreciated. Even if you are unable to physically attend our meetings, we have ensured accessibility through ZOOM calls. This way, you can join us from the comfort of your home or wherever your adventures may take you. With your participation, we can create a community that shares a common goal and supports one another through every step of this journey.

Other needed opportunities are also available.

Physical efforts:

·         Plant bushes, flowers, and trees

·         Clean the yard, and Mulch beds

Administrative tasks:

·         Let off-hour workers into the building and approve work performed.

·         Unlock and lock up for renting members and non-members using the building for events.

·         Count money on Sundays

Leadership positions needing to be filled:

·         Financial secretary

·         Treasurer

Your generous financial contributions are also greatly appreciated. These funds will be used to support our initiatives, provide necessary resources, and create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.

We firmly believe that by combining our efforts, we can live out our faith not only within the walls of our congregation but also in our everyday lives. The impact we can have as a united community is immeasurable.

We invite you to reach out to any of our teams and join us on this incredible journey of faith, growth, and fitness. Your presence and support will be invaluable.

With God’s Love,

Respectfully submitted, The Stewardship Team.