For several months, you have been hearing and reading about the possibility that programs and personnel would have to be reduced or   eliminated for next year if giving and other revenues do not increase  significantly.  In the midst of a challenging economy, the congregation     responded with nearly half of our households raising their giving, and 10 new pledges, amounting to about a 2-1/2% increase in pledges for 2009. That is good news.  Unfortunately, it would have to be about 20% to cover the gap, even with a severely revised and reduced budget.  So, the possibility of more significant reductions is about to become a reality.
This Monday evening, November 24, Session will meet to       consider a budget proposal that includes the elimination of two staff     positions, elimination  of business expenses, and reduction of continuing education allowances, and possible reduction of hours in two other positions.  Property and equipment budgets will be reduced to the point that we will have to pray a lot that nothing breaks down or wears out.  The weekly radio broadcast will be eliminated.  There will be additional cuts in the worship and Christian education budgets.
Because personnel matters will be discussed, most of the      Session meeting will be closed.  If you want to have a say about what     happens, please contact a Session member before the meeting.  And, in  order to ease the situation, if you have been on the fence about what to give, there is still time to increase, but that needs to happen before   Session meets.  The budget will be finalized on Monday night, so that people who need to look for other work will have time to do so, and so that committees and staff can make appropriate program adjustments.
Here is a direct word to those members who have insisted for years that we have too much staff: be prepared to do your part as a   volunteer, and don't be surprised if your favorite project or procedure gets less attention than it used to.
Ironically, all this is happening as giving and attendance are     actually going up.  It is my hope that we are planning these changes       carefully and appropriately, so that at this time next year, we will be able to think again about growth.
     -Stephen Hamilton Wright