January 2010 FaithWalk Update
From Your Pastor,
Even though the year 2009 was one of financial challenges, the generosity of our church once again revealed the faithful hearts of the congregation. After the first quarter, the Finance and Leadership Teams reduced the operating ministry budget by 5% which included drastic cuts in maintenance, ministry area programs and insurance and pension changes for some of the staff. With diligence and hard work, the staff and lay leaders responded, carefully limiting expenses so that the collected funds during the year, totaling $2,148,971 allowed us to support all of our ministry and missional obligations.
This was achieved while at the same time $833,900 was raised for the Imagine Capital Campaign. Yes, the year was a challenge, but your sacrificial support made a difference, enabling the church to continue its strong and effective ministry.
On top of all of these financial gifts, $17,251 was raised for our "Across the Street, Across the Sea" missions through gifts at Christmas time. Such generous kindness should touch all our hearts, especially since "Giving Tree" outreach reached a record number of families. Mission giving and outreach surged throughout the year, strengthening all areas of support to love and serve the needy, including a record offering for "Angels Among Us." Even the orphanage in Kenya that we assist, Providence Children's Home, received $16,500 in December, and nearly $14,000 is currently headed to Haiti.
"Way to go church" is the expression on my lips and heart. Together, we share our treasure to build and sustain a ministry in Sugar Land where people can find Christ, find community and find a cause. We live our faith together in commitment and in generosity. I can only pray in eager excitement, anticipating the great work God will do through us in 2010.
Martin Nicholas
Senior Pastor
Operating Income
YTD Budgeted: $161,407
TTD Actual: $171,512
Thank you for continuing to support the vital ministries of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church!