May 27, 2012
\nGood morning Friends,
\nThese are sad times, having recently lost two dear Friends. It is often at sad times that we are reminded of
\nthe importance of our physical presence, and how we each support and care for the Meeting. At times like this,
\nit is clear that we are here only through the Grace of God, that it is through God\u2019s Grace that we each provide
\nthe care and support so necessary to sustain our Meeting. So perhaps it is not too big a stretch to consider also
\nthe importance of our financial support of the Meeting. Since it is also through God\u2019s Grace that we have this
\nbuilding in which to gather.
\nAnd so it is that we introduce ourselves to you today as members who are working on the Financial Health
\nand Care of Durham Friends Meeting. We are members of the ad hoc Fundraising Committee which was
\nappointed by Monthly Meeting in February. We come to you today to introduce ourselves and to speak about
\nthe need for this committee. Our task is to explore ways to strengthen our weekly giving which supports our
\noperating budget, and to rebuild our capital funds.
\nYou might ask: Why?
\nFor the past several years we have been falling short in our operating budget, and we have been relying on
\nsavings to fill the gap each year. Using this method, we are steadily depleting our savings. Also, with the
\naccomplishment of several major building improvements, we have depleted our capital funds.
\nWe want to develop wise practices so that we can move forward toward a bright future for our Meeting.
\nBut where and how to do we begin?
\nAppreciation: As a committee, we began with deep appreciation for what we have been given. We are
\nfortunate in many ways at Durham. We know that we have a generous membership, with people giving in
\nmany ways to support our Meeting. We realize that each contributes as they are able. We know that all gifts
\nare accepted with gratitude. We recognize that all gifts, be they monetary, volunteer or in-kind contributions
\ncome from a sense of spiritual and loving generosity.
\nThrough this loving care we accomplish many things. We pay our bills each month. We have made many
\nimprovements both at the Meetinghouse and at the Parsonage: (Fellowship Room, Library, Children\u2019s Room,
\nParsonage boiler). All of this demonstrates our loving care for each other and for the Meeting. The physical
\nimprovements and maintenance of our buildings help ensure us all that Durham Friends will continue to be here
\nfor us, as our Spiritual Home. We know that our ability to continue to function is due primarily to the
\ncommitment to giving that comes from each person active in the meeting. It is this faithfulness that forms the
\ncore of Durham Friends as a vibrant and loving community.
\nFor these things we are deeply grateful. We are all blessed to share in this good fortune.
\nCurrent Status: However, our financial strength at Durham Meeting needs careful attention.
\nA. Operations: Our Operational Budget is like our heartbeat. It keeps us going each day, just like our hearts do
\nfor us. Sometimes it is easy to forget that our hearts are working for us all day, every day. Similarly, we find
\nourselves now in a situation where we our weekly giving does not match our operational expenses. We are not
\nkeeping up with our heartbeat. The Heart-blood of our Meeting needs some help. Although we live modestly
\nat the Meetinghouse and the Parsonage, we find that we will fall short this year by about $15,000.
\nWe currently take in about $42,000 a year in the weekly offering. With about 45 people attending each
\nSunday, that averages about $18 per person per week. Some give more; some give less. But, in order to reach
\nour goal of $57,000 the average individual giving would need to increase to about $25 per week.
\nWe are asking each of you to consider your current giving level, and determine whether you have room to
\nincrease your offering. We realize that this is not an easy task, nor a very tempting one, and we know that there
\nare some who may not be able to make any changes. But for those of you who do have room for change we
\nhave some ideas\u2026
\nPage 7 of 14
\nI recently found a quote that spoke strongly to me on this subject, and I modified it a bit: \u201cThere is no set
\nformula for financial giving. Just as each person is unique, so is their ability and their response to financial
\ngiving.\u201d
\nThat has become my mantra for this committee.
\nIn a few minutes, some of our committee members will speak about ideas that work for them. Perhaps one
\nof these ideas may inspire you.
\nB. Capital Fund: Although we come to you today primarily to present and explain our operational needs,
\nour group will also be working on ideas to re-build our capital fund. Similar to the needs and care of our
\nphysical bodies, our capital needs also require attention to maintain the physical health of our Meeting
\nbuildings.
\nHow can we best support our Meeting?
\nJust as Durham Friends feeds your Soul, which enlivens your heart, breath and body, may each of you
\ndiscern with wisdom how best you can financially support the Heart and Body of Durham Meeting, so that we
\nmay remain spiritually vibrant, active and well-nourished.
\nThank you.
\n\u2014 Presented by Sarah Sprogell<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
May 27, 2012 Good morning Friends, These are sad times, having recently lost two dear Friends. It is often at sad times that we are reminded of the importance of our physical presence, and how we each support and care … Continue reading