PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

At the time of this writing, our annual congregational meeting is only a few short weeks away.  Scheduled for October 30th, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on the work we have conducted over the past year and to put in place the people and processes for the work to come.  We will recognize our committee chairpersons and the many hours of work by the committees.  We will elect new Council members, Nominating Committee members, and next year’s Synod Assembly delegates.  We will approve the proposed 2012 Ministry driven plan and budget.  We will also provide a second vote on the proposed changes to the constitution and by-laws.

Your participation in this process is crucial.  You may not be currently involved on a regular basis with one of the committees or small groups, however, your recognition and support of the work they do is needed.  This is also an opportunity to learn more about how your fellow members are working in the congregation’s best interests to fulfill our mission, our values and our commitment to fiscal responsibility.  You may ultimately decide you want to be a part of what goes on “behind the scenes” and the congregational meeting is the forum in which many of your questions may be answered.   I look forward to seeing all of you on October 30.

Immanuel’s giving and expenses through August 2011 are as follows: our year-to-date giving to the Ministry Fund is $ 46 MORE than our expenses, and the year-to-date giving to the Building Fund is $ 12,147 LESS than our loan payments.  Our year-to-date shortfall for the Ministry fund and Building Fund combined is $ 12,101.  Our Ministry Fund expenses Year-to-date are 14% under budget.  

We welcome your input on this and any other areas of interest.   Please feel free to share your comments, questions, or concerns with me or any of your council representatives.  I can be reached at 823-2830 or by e-mail at cjharkness@dishmail.net.

Joe Harkness - Council President