There are so many ways that the fantastically generous people of our congregation support St. Columba’s.  Some people take care of the building and grounds, some people help our children and youth, some people reach out to members of our community and some give of their hard-earned cash.  All of us together support the ongoing work of God in this neighborhood. 

And, even if you just consider financial giving, there are many ways we give.  As a congregation we’ve given $1,685 to Totem Middle School teachers.  This was enough to give $25 gift cards to each of the teachers and staff at the breakfast on August 27to help them purchase classroom supplies.  In addition a number of gift cards were given to the vice-principal to distribute to teachers and students as needs arose throughout the year.  What a great way to communicate that we appreciate the work being done by the great teachers and staff at Totem!  They need to be reminded that their community cares about them and the work they do.

This year through June, you’ve also given $6,850 to the Vicar’s Discretionary Fund (VDF) in addition to the $600 that we contributed from pledge income.  These funds are spent at the Vicar’s discretion to meet immediate needs of both congregation members and members of the community.  Support can include help with gas, food, rent, or medical bills or maybe help send a youth to camp. Through June, Mother Alissa had spent $4,513 meeting such needs. 

Finally, you have contributed a total of over $60,000 for the Memorial Garden project that is projected to cost $75,000.  We have enough to begin construction this fall once permitting requirements are determined.  We have a number of large contributors to thank for these initial gifts some of which were made in memory of recently deceased members.

One of the ways I currently contribute to St. Columba’s is to act as your treasurer.  As I’m increasingly aware, the ways we serve also change from year to year.  At one time I was primarily concerned with the children’s programs.  As I aged and my only child became an adult, I lost the ability to deal with the chaos that work with children involves.  But there have been other ways I could serve.  I have been blessed to lead the prayer writers who consistently compose the heartfelt “prayers of the people” that we pray as a congregation every Sunday.  I also serve as a member of the prayer teams that pray with congregants during the communion time each Sunday.  I sometimes am privileged to preach at the Wednesday evening healing service or even at our Sunday services.

Now I’m finding that the pressures of the treasurer’s work are probably too much for me.  I want to get everything perfect, and yet realize that this has never been a realistic goal.  Still I fret and worry to the extent that I believe it’s time for me to turn over this duty to someone new.  (See 2 Kings chapter 2 for a great story about how God provides for times of transition.)  Don’t worry, someone to pick up the treasurer’s mantle has already been identified and has agreed to take on the task.

Meanwhile, click here to see our financial results for the first half of 2018.  You may think it’s a little late to be sharing results through June and you’d be right.  The lateness is just another symptom of my need to transition away from this responsibility.  You’ll note that miraculously we have a net income of positive $0.67 for the first half of 2018.  Our pledge income, however is running about $9,200 below budget.  If you’ve been away this summer and haven’t kept up with your pledge, now would be a great time to catch up.  If you’re current on your pledge, thank you.  We rely on people like you to keep us going.  And thank you for everything else you do to support St. Columba’s ministry.  We all give what we can, when we can, and how we can. Thanks be to God!

Carol K. Everson,

Treasurer