This has been a challenging year that has demanded a lot from all of us. In the midst of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression we have been called upon most importantly to continue our proclamation of the Gospel and to celebrate the Glory of God while expanding our outreach activities to provide assistance to the growing number of the needy in our community. Only through the generous sharing of the time, talents and treasures of our many volunteers and the seemingly endless energy and efforts of our dedicated staff have we been able to meet these callings. But it has been a challenge that is taking its toll and is now telling us that we need to re-visit the financing and staffing of ChristChurch.

Over the past four years ChristChurch has experienced growth in many ways. Membership has grown by 20%. Participation in Sunday school and youth programs has grown by 23%. New ministries such as the Stephen Ministers have been launched. More Christian education opportunities are available for adults and our youth. Our worship services have been enhanced and our music programs have reached new heights with an incredible future still to come under the guidance of our excellent Ministers of Music. But the growth of our staff has not kept up with the growth of our ministries. 

While part-time positions for the Director of Administration and Contemporary Music Minister have been added, our Assistant Rector was not replaced and the Parish Secretary position is now part-time rather than full-time. But the commitment and passion of our many volunteers and our limited staff, whose work load has increased significantly, has enabled ChristChurch to spread the Gospel of Christ to so many more people in our community.

Recognizing that our level of staffing is not sustainable, even for maintaining the status quo, earlier this year the Vestry authorized a search for an Assistant Rector that is now underway. And additional administrative staff would support the more effective management of the growing administrative aspects of our growing church, thereby allowing our clergy and ministers to focus on their core ministries. This would facilitate the addition of a Saturday worship service, allowing further sharing of the Gospel. Most churches of our size have more staff than ChristChurch – both clergy and lay.

Through August of this year the Christ Church 2009 operating costs have stayed within budget and are expected to remain within budget for the balance of this year. This is due in large part to numerous staff initiatives. For example, the filling of positions with part-time rather than full-time employees resulted in significant cost savings related to employee salaries and benefits, and thereby allowed the Contemporary Music Minister to be added. The installation and application of more efficient technologies, along with closer management of the administrative aspects of the church have contributed to a 15% reduction in office and communications expense compared to last year. 

Pledged income through August 2009 continues to run below budget, but should breakeven by year end as there typically is a strong increase in pledged giving during the last four months of the year. The budgeted funds From Invested Assets have not yet been needed this year as a significant cash balance at the end of 2008 has been used to cover the difference between 2009 income and expenses through August.   But the funds are available to be transferred when needed.