Agenda items and reports for October 28 Ad Council meeting
First United Methodist Church Hanover, PA
Opening:
Old Business: None
SPRC: The committee has heard the testimonies, and is supporting the call for certified lay
speaker ministry for Bill Ingram and Lourdes Stevens – please pray for all of God’s servants who
hear the call and answer!
The Personnel Manual is being updated for anticipated roll-out in January 2016.
Middle Street Campus Monthly Report – 10/08/2015
MSC VISION: YEAR THREE -- “Making Disciples”
Worship team met with Pastor Greg and Pastor Josh focusing on the following items:
New preaching schedule is working out well.
Christmas Eve services
 Pastor Greg
FSC Early service / MSC 7:30 service / FSC 9pm service
 Pastor Josh
FSC Early service / FSC 7:30 service / FSC 11pm
service
Christmas weekend services – no decisions made
Upcoming sermon series
 November – Esther
 December - Luke
2016
 January – Modern family (‘family’ pictures throughout the sanctuary?)
 Lent – The Inner Life
 April – Mental health
 May – Holy Spirit
 June – August – in development
 September – The challenge of discipleship
 October – Election
 November – Finances
 December - Advent
Sunday School materials / Kid’s worship – concern for overlap of content
Drummer needs / sound levels / voice mix / equipment needs
Budget modifications – reduced to three G/Ls.
 Worship Space Enhancement
$500
 Fair Trade Coffee/Go Green
$900
 Guest Musicians
$600
Coffee donations – Put $60 out of every $100 received back into MSC coffee
budget
 Stephanie said we can do this. When turning this money in to Tara
please mark it MSC coffee.
October 28, 2015 Church Treasurer Report
Attached you will find the Monthly Budget Comparison Financial for September 2015
Our Current fund balance is $23,545.85; available for use $2,360.27 *extremely low
$21,185.58 are funds held in Current for other ministries that do not have their own checking:
$9,618.33 Organ
$1,909.40 New Season’s
$800.04 Young at Heart
$8,857.81 Memorial
Our giving was behind budget ($130,214.84) *approximately $3,338.84 per week
Our Total Revenues YTD according to budget were behind ($103,121.90) *approximately $2,644.15 per week
Most expenses were under budget. All bills and shares of ministry are paid current
There were 4 deposits made in September
Some large expenses that we had in September paid by Current Expense:
$2,181.00 Susquehanna Conference-Health Insurance Bernie
$3,719.63 James Craft-MSC Repairs
$1,080.17 SSP Custom Sound-Video Line Repairs MSC
Some large expenses that we had in September paid by Building & Growth:
$2,500.00 Counsel Trust Scholarship Fund Reimbursement-$15,000.00 is now paid in full
$535.00 ACS Church Management Software Monthly
Over Budget Items for the Year:
274 Parsonage Renovations $2,032.00 YTD Actual $1,000.00 YTD Budget
Safe Sanctuaries $6,268.83 YTD Actual $500.00 YTD Budget
Staff Parish $1,692.70 YTD Actual $510.00 YTD Budget
VBS $648.98 YTD Actual $500.00 YTD Budget
200 FSC Trash Removal $478.00 YTD Actual $310.00 YTD Budget
September 2015:
September 2014:
Net Income: ($11,268.70)
Net Income: $3,931.49
YTD Net Income: ($57,971.23)
YTD Net Income: ($6,930.98)
Revenues: $60,180.70
Revenues: $59,794.07
YTD Revenues: $502,635.52
YTD Revenues: $517,026.46
Total Program Exp: $691.94
Total Program Exp: $1,246.70
YTD Total Program Exp: $22,721.90
YTD Total Program Exp: $23,592.07
Total Operating Exp: $70,757.46
Total Operating Exp: $54,615.88
YTD Total Operating Exp: $537,884.85
YTD Total Operating Exp: $500,365.37
Rental Units:
Note Balances:
2015 September Net Income: $9,945.00
Fogle Note: $47,024.36
2015 YTD Net Income: $4,257.18
Building & Growth Fund Balance: $7,890.37
206 E Middle is vacant
M&T Bank BLOC balance $0
204: All back rent is paid in full
M&T Bank BLOC Interest Paid YTD $42.10
And all rent is paid through Dec 2015
The Worship Committee is gearing up for Christmas at Frederick St.!! We
will be decorating the church on Nov. 29 after the 10:30 service and we will
be putting up the sanctuary tree on Dec. 6 after the 10:30 service, or
sometime during that week. Any and all help for those two activities will be
greatly appreciated! Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for information
in both the newsletter and the bulletin about ordering poinsettias to honor
your loved ones.
Mission/Benevolence Committee Report for Oct. 28 Ad Council
1. The Mission/Benevolence Committee will offer an Alternate Christmas Gift Idea from
Nov. 8 to Dec. 13. The donations will go to the Society of St. Andrew for their work in gleaning
fields and feeding the hungry.
2. As of October, the Mission/Benevolence Committee has funded about 60 % of budgeted
items.
Benevolence offerings continue to be significantly down. In comparison, the difference from
2014 and 2015 at this time is about $8,000. Some budgeted items may have to be lowered at
the end of this year. Benevolence Apportionments and Missionary Support will be priorities to
be funded.
3. The Mission/Benevolence Committee has developed a 2016 budget of about $77,300.
Some areas supported in the past are now self-supporting or receive contributions through
other offerings throughout the year.
FUMCH: September 2015
Financial
Contributions & Gifts
Plate Gifts
Pledge Gifts
Vanco Gifts
Sunday School Gifts
Micro-Donations
Drummer Boy Gifts
Special Gifts
Rental Income-204 E Middle
St
Rental Income-206 E Middle
St
Building Usage Gifts
Interest/Dividends/Estates/Tr
Total Revenues
Program Expenses
Total Education Commission
Total Youth Commission
Total Congregational
Fellowship Commission
Total Outreach Commission
Total History Commission
Total Stewardship
Commission
Total Contemporary Worship
Commission
Total Traditional Worship
Commission
Total Church & Society
Commission
Total Staff Parish
Commission
Total Program Expenses
Operating Expenses
Total Property Expenses
Total Office Expenses
Total Shares of Ministries
Expense
Total Personnel Expenses
Current
Month
Actual
Current
Month
Budget
Year to
Date
Actual
Year to
Date
Budget
Over
(Under)
2015
Annual
Budget
$
788.22
30,648.26
16,903.00
125.00
0.00
21.09
0.00
$
1,250.00
53,556.38
12,500.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
$
10,158.19
327,612.72
137,771.67
2,357.25
100.00
286.78
938.35
$
11,250.00
482,007.42
112,500.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
(1,091.81)
(154,394.70)
25,271.67
2,357.25
100.00
286.78
938.35
$
15,000.00
642,676.52
150,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
9,945.00
0.00
12,935.00
0.00
12,935.00
0.00
0.00
543.00
1,207.13
60,180.70
0.00
0.00
0.00
67,306.38
0.00
5,094.00
5,381.56
502,635.52
0.00
0.00
0.00
605,757.42
0.00
5,094.00
5,381.56
(103,121.90)
0.00
0.00
0.00
807,676.52
(1,353.86)
116.29
1,066.67
708.33
8,881.19
3,479.55
9,600.03
6,374.97
(718.84)
(2,895.42)
12,800.00
8,500.00
0.00
407.96
0.00
243.75
166.67
8.33
786.38
585.47
0.00
2,193.75
1,500.03
74.97
(1,407.37)
(914.56)
(74.97)
2,925.00
2,000.00
100.00
0.00
14.58
0.00
131.22
(131.22)
175.00
1,380.17
483.76
3,372.05
4,353.84
(981.79)
5,805.00
112.00
805.42
4,150.53
7,248.78
(3,098.25)
9,665.00
29.38
4.17
(225.97)
37.53
(263.50)
50.00
0.00
691.94
42.50
3,544.18
1,692.70
22,721.90
382.50
31,897.62
1,310.20
(9,175.72)
510.00
42,530.00
16,407.96
1,825.99
16,115.41
2,225.00
125,145.93
22,332.58
145,038.69
20,024.96
(19,892.76)
2,307.62
193,385.00
26,700.00
6,737.83
45,785.68
6,737.83
38,683.95
60,640.47
329,765.87
60,640.47
348,155.55
0.00
(18,389.68)
80,854.00
464,207.52
Total Operating Expenses
Net Income
70,757.46
($
11,268.70)
63,762.19
$
0.01
537,884.85
($
57,971.23)
573,859.67
$
0.13
(35,974.82)
(57,971.36)
765,146.52
$
0.00
FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATES FOR AD COUNCIL MEETING
October 28, 2015
1) Finance Committee
Finance Committee met on October 14th. We reviewed YTD numbers through 3rd quarter,
projected 4th quarter income and how the year may finish based on 4th quarter historical giving,
and reviewed and recommended for approval to Ad Council the 2016 Ministry Spending Plan
(a.k.a. Budget).
Our current situation is that unless giving increases substantially we could experience about a $
60,000 net loss to current expense by the end of the year. This would not be the first time First
UMC Hanover has shown a net loss; however, it will be the first time in many years.
We are working diligently to try to control this on the expenditure side over the next 90 days and
are pleased to say that there are no expenditures that are out of line other than a few line items
over budget, which are explainable.
2) Clarification for Current Expense Funds Use
It was brought up at our Finance Committee meeting (again) that some folks in the Church
appear to have the misconception that current expense funds are being used for purposes other
than paying current expense line items. As a member of Ad Council we are asking you please
re-enforce to our Congregation that this is not the case and every line item expense can be
justified and explained. That is one of the reasons we undergo a cursory external audit on an
annual basis.
If you have a conversation with someone who is still questioning this, we would kindly ask that
you direct them to Rob or Rusty and we will be pleased to spend time with them to address their
concerns directly. If not addressed appropriately and frankly, this type of misinformation can be
detrimental to the health of the Church and affect giving God his due inappropriately.
3) Financial Update through September 30, 2015
Our cash balance for current expense is very challenging currently. At the end of September, it
was just over $ 2,000 for available cash for the current expense fund.
Rusty and Rob reached out to M&T Bank, with whom we currently have a $ 250,000 line of
credit for our “Our Climb Goes On” Capital Campaign to see if they would consider transferring
$ 50,000 of this line of credit to our current expense account.
In this manner, when we see lulls in giving, we can use the line of credit in the normal course of
paying bills. Rusty and Rob had met with M&T Bank on this several weeks ago, but have now
accelerated the request based on the current cash flow situation. As of this writing, we do not
have an update if M&T Bank will approve this request, but it seems plausible that the request
will be granted based on our very low long term debt situation and our analysis of our
investment in our Plan of Ministry. We have been frank and up front with our financial lender as
to what we want to achieve going forward to continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
It is anticipated that we could be in and out of this line of credit for the foreseeable future as we
continue to ramp up the Generosity Team and stewardship aspect of our journey with Christ.
It is also anticipated that we should not be in the Building and Growth line of credit in the
foreseeable future--so a $ 200,000 line, as compared to a $ 250,000 line should serve us well in
the future on the Building & Growth side.
We had hoped that by this time, we could have suggested that all non-critical expenses that we
had asked be put on hold through the summer months would not be an issue; however, given
where our current fund balance is, we are continuing to ask the staff to hold any non-essential
purchase. If you have any questions, please see Pastor Greg, Stephanie, Rob or Rusty.
4) Mailing to Congregation for Additional Contributions
At the request of Ad Council a mailing was sent out to the Congregation from Finance
Committee on October 9th soliciting additional contributions for 4th quarter. That same letter is
being placed in the bulletins the weekends of October 17/18 and October 24/25 and will be
published in the October newsletter.
5
2016 Ministry Spending Plan
Finance Committee will be reviewing the 2016 Ministry Spending Plan with Ad Council on
October 28th.
We can inform you that it unanimously passed at Finance Committee on October 14th. We want
to thank Stephanie for her diligence in aligning the budget with our Connectional Ministries and
for the staff and SPRC for paring down expenses as we ramp up the Generosity Team.
This budget will once again be a leap of faith; however, it is in line with the investment we have
made to continue to grow Disciples of Jesus Christ and it has a 100% Finance Committee
backing accordingly.
Please continue to pray that we will all consider giving God his due so that we can avoid these
challenges now and in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
F. Rusty Elsner and Rob Simmons
Church and Society
Thanksgiving Food Collection Program
Our partner organization, New Hope Ministries, continues to collect food for their food pantry
to help those less fortunate in our Hanover community. Collection bins are located near the
Frederick Street Campus Office as well as on the Middle Street Campus. Please continue to
bring in your canned and non-perishable food donations.
The choir on the Frederick Street Campus will be performing the song “God’s Train” to kick off
our seasonal food drive for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Let’s see if we can make our food
collection container for New Hope Ministries overflow with the bounty that each of us is able to
donate. New Hope is also collecting funds to purchase turkeys for needy families in the area as
well as accepting free turkey coupons or actual turkeys. If anyone has a turkey donation to
contribute please feel to call Tom or Beth Henry at 717-637-5747 or e-mail at
tomandbeth@comcast.net so a connection with New Hope can be coordinated. Thank you to
all for your continued faithfulness in meeting the needs of those in our community.
Christmas Blessing Express Gift Program
We know what you are saying….”we haven’t even approached Thanksgiving yet and they are
already talking Christmas!”. Yes, this is true, but to meet the timeline for the gathering of
unwrapped gifts for families in the community, we have to get the word out early.
Again this year we are working with New Hope Ministries to make their “Christmas Blessing
Express” a success. Local families who are approved by New Hope Ministries’ interview and
qualification process are able to shop for unwrapped gifts for the whole family and then, if
desired, volunteers from New Hope ministries wrap the gifts for them. You cannot imagine the
difference you make in these families lives by your willingness to help make their Christmas a
special one, full of wonderful memories.
In a few weeks there will be a list of suggested gift items published in the bulletins as well as a
list that has been included in this newsletter. Also later in November a display of paper
Christmas ornaments listing specific gift requests will be hanging at both campus locations. You
can select an ornament or two to take home and serve as a reminder to bring your unwrapped
contributions to the church. Unwrapped gifts must be brought to either of the two church
campuses or to New Hope Ministries at 135 Baltimore Street, Hanover, no later than December
13th.
New Hope Ministries and the Hanover Area Council of Churches are always looking for
additional volunteers to help support their many programs. Please contact either of those
organizations if you have a few hours to donate to a worthy cause. New Hope Ministries has a
website www.nhm-pa.org that lists volunteer opportunities and has a volunteer application
online. Their local phone number is 717-698-0296. The Hanover Council of Churches can be
contacted at 717-633-6353.
Trustees: This is a list of items discussed and either is in the works, on hold, or will be
undertaken as money becomes available. It is not in any order,
Cherry tree removal
Ventilation of Parlor area
Organ roof repair/larger storm water run off
Bats
Addition and/or replacement of FSC furnace(s), to meet demand on colder winter days
5 year outlook to replace 60 ton compressor for FSC air conditioning
Drop-leaf table installed in communion room
Long range plan to replace all AC units at MSC
Continue to discuss the property at 206 E Middle St
Started to work with facility study group – property administration staff person assigned
Installation of a fire alarm system at the MSC
Painting of interior (where needed) and exterior of MSC
Painting (where needed) at the FSC
Carpet or laminate flooring for FSC
Basement improvements for MSC (based on study group)
Long range life of heating system MSC
Permission granted to fix/repair/improve concrete slab used for handicap parking
New locks for external doors FSC – security more so for pre-school and administrative staff
Beautification/leveling/patching of stone parking lot beside playground
Repairs to white garage – FSC
Signage for FSC – inside and outside
Weeds at MSC
Big wooden door not closing properly at FSC
Roofer to look over roof at MSC
Remove center row parking blocks FSC
Parsonage annual report completed
Youth Report
The youth ministry has been quite active lately. We dove into the topic of bullying and are the
youth open up a bit more lately. We have had some mixed results with our youth targeted
small groups. The confirmation group is fairly active, while the “Undignified!” group is being
redirected due to low attendance and commitment. We will continue to offer youth small
group options, knowing that this is a cultural shift and may take time to catch on. Teens are
very busy anymore in light of all of their school activities. In the meantime, we are going to be
exploring ways to take church to the youth where they are. This involves the whole community
making it a priority to support our youth at sports games, plays, and concerts.
On the topic of community support, the youth ministry still needs leaders, mentors, and
helpers. A point of concern is that all but one of the volunteer leaders are parents of a teen in
the group. This is not a healthy trend in our church, especially if we are looking for healthy
intergenerational ministry going forward. Tommy will be looking for gifted people to invite into
the ministry. If you feel called to assist or know someone that would be gifted at this, please
contact Tommy Fitchett.
Budget for 2016: The proposed 2016 Church budget was sent under a separate email. There
will printed copies of the proposed budget as well as the agenda and reports on Wednesday
night.
Pastor’s reports:
Leadership Covenant:
As one of the leaders of First United Methodist Church of Hanover, I make this covenant
to:
1.
The discipline of daily devotions
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Weekly worship at First Church
Participate in at least one hands on mission in ministry per year
Tithe, or move toward tithing
Participate in a small group or class at First Church
Participate in Council as a “Learning Community”
Promote, interpret, and live out the vision of First Church at all times
Invite at least one new person/family to our Church at least once a year
Closing:
Up coming dates:
Ad Council - Wednesday, November 18 - FSC Room 211 - 212 at 7:00 PM
Annual Church Conference - Sunday, November 22 at 3:00 PM