Zion Lutheran Church
204 Great River Road
PO Box 166 563-289-5566
Princeton, IA 52768
zionchurch@iowatelecom.net
November 3, 2014
Dear Members of Zion Lutheran,
2014 has been a year of financial strain and unexpected (non-budgeted) expenses of $3,067. We also have seen a small drop in membership due to death and members leaving the community. On a positive note, we were able to finish the new parking lot and complete a successful financial drive, which has been a wonderful addition to our church facility.
At the October Council meeting concern was expressed over the continued “dipping into” of the Certificate of Deposit to fund on-going budgeted expenses of the Congregation. This year the CD has gone from $15,000.00 to $8,505.90. Contributions through September 30, 2014 have been $65,300.00, leaving a short fall of $8,000.00 - $10,000.00 from our 2013 contributions.
To complete the year on the positive side of the ledger, we need your continued support. We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 as follows: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work”
The council will be presenting the 2015 budget in the near future and is planning on a pledge drive for 2015. Each of us needs to examine how we have been blessed over our lives as we consider our giving pledges and pattern for the remainder of this and next year. We believe the current deficit challenge is short term and call on your continued generosity and assistance to finish out the year on a financial positive note. Enclosed is a special offering envelope. Any contribution you are able to make will help reduce the short fall.
You are invited to stay after worship this Sunday (November 9th), for fellowship and conversation. This will be an opportunity for the church council and your Treasurer to answer any questions you may have regarding the financial condition situation of the congregation.
Yours in Christ,
G. Wylie Pillers
Council President
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