Stewardship Commission
Q and A on the budget

The church budget is actually lower than last years. How?

Each commission evaluated the work they are doing and took a sharp pencil to their expenses. We were also able to save some medical benefit expenses by avoiding duplication of benefits. That reduction in medical expenses allowed us to budget a 3% increase for our staff for 2009.

Membership Contributions

We are asking our members to increase their pledges by 9%.

Membership contributions are comprised of pledge contributions, loose plate contributions and prior year pledge contributions.

It looks like we are budgeting less for mission.

The 2008 Mission budget included a $23,000 contribution from the Capital Campaign but will go away in 2009. Actually, the net cost Mission and Outreach budget is increasing by $14,000.

The per capita fee is new—what is it?

This fee has been included in the Mission budget in the past—to have a clearer budget we are now showing it on its own. It is figured by our Presbytery based on a count of the number of members .

We are asking our members to assist will offsetting this cost. The “per capita” fee is $22 per member .

What are pastor transition expenses?

As we move forward to calling a permanently installed pastor, there will be some work to do to understand the needs and the opportunities of the congregation and community. This line item will provide some tools to do that .

What is cemetery transfer?

We are blessed to have and to manage the beautiful Bound Brook Cemetery . Although most of the cemetery funds must be designated for cemetery upkeep and lot upkeep specifically, good investments and management have made a surplus in its operating fund, of which we will transfer a small percentage to the annual budget of the church.

What is endowment transfer?

Faithful members have included the church in their wills over years, and funds have been created from these legacies. We are committed to prudent management of these funds.

I have questions and I have some financial experience. How can I help? Let the Finance Commission or the Stewardship Commission know—we will welcome you to this work

Bequests Income

10% of income from a bequest is provided to the operating fund 10% to mission, and the remainder to the Endowment fund. We want our members to prayerfully remember the church in their wills. We have been very fortunate to receive bequests over the years and we celebrate these acts of generosity.