Stewardship/Finance Report - page 2 Dear Friends;
It’s time we talked candidly about our financial situation- specifically, our debt. We’ve danced around this issue for months, hoping you would get motivated without much effort on our part. Not surprisingly, this has failed. And we take responsibility for that…we’ve not done our part, why should we expect you to do your part? So, let’s start over again. Way back when, at a Congregational Meeting, we agreed, almost unanimously, to undertake the projects that gave us a new, at-grade Fellowship Hall and Kitchen, and turned our all-purpose Chapel into a productive office suite. Regardless of how you voted, or even if you didn’t attend, you have to admit that the finished product is a beautiful and functional addition to our historic campus. At the time when this was presented, through a series of informational meetings and during the discussion prior to vote, the costs were discussed; at that time, we expected a shortfall of roughly $300,000 that would have to be made up at some point. And as the project neared completion, we had another Congregational Meeting in which we decided that we would liquidate the remainder of the Ward Bequest to pay off the majority of the loan…but we would still have an outstanding loan between $350,000 and $400,000 that would have to be paid. When the Capital Improvement Committee was finalizing the project, and the loan, they planned for about one year of loan payments to give the Church an opportunity to put a program in place. And one year later, we had no such program…and no real idea of how we were going to make these monthly payments. The Lord does provide, however. Not through money trees in the playground or additional million dollar bequests, but through inspiration and creativity. It started with a concept, which was grown into a program and presented to the congregation: The Debt Disciple Program. Making its debut last spring, it has received a little support, but nowhere near what we had hoped for. And, quite frankly, need. But we didn’t really go all out in making you aware of this program. So, today, as we take our “do-over,” we’re taking the time that you deserve to explain our situation and proposed solution. And we hope that you’ll take the time that this program deserves in prayerfully contemplating your participation in it. Should you have any questions, or wish to learn more about the program, please don’t hesitate to talk to any member of Session or the Stewardship/Finance Committee.
The Debt Disciple Program Background: As a result of the construction/renovation project, WNPC has amassed a debt of approximately $365,000. At issue are both the monthly payments and the loan balance; it has been recommended that these be handled as separate programs, with the emphasis on the more immediate need: the monthly payment. The Problem: While WNPC has a monthly obligation of $3600 to the NBRS Financial institution, WNPC does not have the monthly income to cover this payment. The Solution: A program that brings together the members and their financial resources to meet this obligation. Explanation: The Debt Disciple Program promotes a team effort in tackling this difficult problem. Although there are individuals and families in our congregation that can shoulder the burden of a monthly payment, most members would find that an overwhelming request. The financial means of our membership has a wide range, so any program must take this into account. Like a jigsaw puzzle, the Debt Disciple Program presents each monthly payment as a separate piece of the puzzle, which, when completed makes the final picture. For a given month, a team of people come together to pool their financial resources to make a payment. Of course, we’d like to have the entire payment amount covered, but realize that is not always possible; any amount is acceptable. As examples: - one family signed up to do a full month - the Session signed up to do most of a month and the Youth Group made up the rest - the Adult Choir signed up to do half a month - one individual committed to a quarter of a month - another individual signed up to do almost two months’ payments - another family has made a commitment to pay a monthly amount As you can see, the support received is varied, and we are thankful for it. But we need your support – form a team or act individually, but just be a part. No commitment is too small, and we will work with whatever method you choose – lump sum, monthly installments, quarterly or semi-annual. Please take some time to prayer about it, and consider your support of this program - without it, we will have to consider more drastic means of meeting this obligation. | 
