2008 Financial Status

It never ceases to amaze me how God answers our prayers. This year has been very tough financially. Our world economy is grim. Folks in our pews have experienced lay-offs, reduced income, increased medical bills and other financial issues. The Finance Committee has wondered through these last few months, how is this all going to affect the church? For many years, the church has relied on endowment income to balance the checkbook at the end of the year. With the market conditions, this is simply not possible this year.

However, our Treasurer, Chris Bowker, believes that we are expecting to end the year with our bills paid. The lights won't be turned off. Our phone won't be cut off. This is wonderful news! In addition, we are expecting to be able to pay *about* $3,000 of our conference mission shares. These mission shares represent our connection with United Methodists in Maine, New England, and around the world. They pay for TV ads, missionaries, Bishops, District Superintendents, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), and many other functions of the general church that we may take for granted. For a great article on the "what, why and how" of missions shares, you can read more at Mission Shares Explained.

Our total mission shares due to the conference for 2008 is $20,496. Thus far we have paid $0, although expect to pay about $3,000 if income goes as projected - that's less than 25%. Last year we were able to pay about 60% of our mission shares due to help from our endowment income. Since this is not possible, we are looking for 2nd mile donations for 2008 so that we might more faithfully fulfill our covenant as United Methodists. Any gift will help! Would you consider making an extra donation?

Thank you to all of the Peoples people for so much cheerful generosity. God is doing great things through you!
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 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. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 6