by Lorie Bradshow, director of finance

This past year has been filled with ups and downs, not only for many people in our congregation but also for our church as a whole. God has proved faithful as we finished construction debt-free on the new Children’s Building, and we are excited about moving into the new space in January. In the midst of this rejoicing, we have also had to take a second look at the church budget. Many faithful members of our SCC family have experienced job loss or other cutbacks this year, and our operating fund balance reflects that downturn. To help adjust for the financial shortfall, we have made a stronger commitment to watch church expenses and have made cutbacks in nearly every area.

The church requires $202,000 each week to cover costs and provide for ongoing ministry. As the 2009 year concludes, an additional sum is needed to provide operating cash for the new fiscal year in 2010. Currently (as of 11/15/09), SCC is facing a significant shortfall for the current budget year (ending 6/30/10).

While we understand giving may be harder than ever for some families, we are asking everyone to consider how you can help us continue to minister in this community. This could be through a renewed commitment to tithe the rest of this year and continuing that commitment into the new year. If you have been blessed this year, consider making a year-end, one-time financial gift, or possibly a year-end gift of appreciated stock or a mutual fund. In the case of an appreciated stock or mutual fund, ownership is transferred to the church. Shares are then sold as soon as arrangements can be made; you pay no tax on the appreciation, and the church receives the appreciated value. For information or assistance, e-mail the Finance department  or call 469-252-5303.

Someone will be available in the church office to receive your 2009 gifts until 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 31. Gifts postmarked by December 31 may also be posted to your 2009 giving record.

 

Online Giving Options 

If you'd like to be more faithful to your giving plan today and in the new year, there are several ways that technology can help. You can now authorize an automated transfer from your bank account directly to the church account on a monthly or twice-monthly schedule by completing  a "Debit Authorization Form." The form is available in the church office or on our website. Your gifts may be changed or discontinued at any time, and this method of giving involves no additional cost to the church.

Website processing of financial gifts provides another fast, convenient, and secure way for you to give one-time gifts or recurring donations by credit card or by electronic check. This method of giving works best for many donors, but the church does incur a 3% processing fee on your gifts. Instructions and links are on Stonebriar's "giving" web page.