Stewardship
Finance Committee Report – As of January 2012
All of us should rejoice with the blessings that we have received regarding our abilities to carry the ministries of DUMC forward into the New Year. This is no doubt, in part, a result of the response of the DUMC family to the call that was made in our Sunday worship services during November and December for the need for us to respond as we can to our Stewardship needs in order to make our budget for this year. As of this writing, our Tithes and Offerings for the year 2011 is $845,775. This is an increase of 3.4% over what was received in 2010, and most importantly, it has enabled us to make our budget to within $1,000 for the 2011 year and to pay all of our Apportionments that we are required to make to the Baltimore-Washington Conference under the United Methodist connectional system. So we can start the New Year being thankful to God for all that is provided, and in particular, for the work of His Church here in Damascus.
That being said, we need to look forward to the 2012 year. The Administrative Board in December passed a budget for the coming year that once again adds very little to the budget and keeps almost all of our spending to levels that they were last year. The total expenses in the budget for this coming year are only $18,500 larger than for last year. This increase reflects mostly the needs for lawn and garden expenses as a result of the completion of the Phase I Building Campaign, some increase in utility costs, and several changes in our staff leadership, principally the addition to our staff for now having a full year of our Associate Pastor, Rev. Linda Motter. As was the case for last year, there is a need for our average weekly giving to increase if we are to adequately meet our monthly obligations without special appeals to our congregation. The Administrative Board, in adopting the new budget, has expressed their faith that the needed increase in our weekly or monthly giving for the coming year is reasonable and within expectations of what can be provided. As the Board has directed, plans are forming to have a Stewardship Campaign that will educate all of us more fully on our ministries and the support that they require. It is expected that this will occur in late winter, early spring.
In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus reminds us, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.
Have You Considered E-Giving?
Through the e-Giving program you can elect to submit your offering to the church electronically. We have two options: bi-weekly or monthly. The funds will be deducted from your checking or savings account automatically, versus having to remember to bring your checkbook and envelope with you to church. You may get an authorization form from the church office, or download one here.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact Debbie Benson at 301-253-0022, ext. 106 or by E-Mail using the Contact box below.
Accepting Debit & Credit Card Donations
The membership and friends of DUMC have given generously over the years and deserve flexible and convenient options to make such gifts. For that reason, the Finance Committee works diligently to identify and implement new and innovative options. DUMC continues to accept debit and credit card donations.
One reason we accept donations through credit and debit cards is that it allows some card holders to earn points. However, due to transaction fees that DUMC must remit to the vendor, we request that this option only be used for weekly donations of $10 or more. DUMC will also accept one-time donations through debit and credit cards, however we request that this option only be used for gifts of $100 or more.
You may get an authorization form from the church office, or by clicking here and fax it to the Finance Committee if you want to tithe or make a donation using your debit or credit card.
Please contact Debbie Benson at 301-253-0022, #106 if you have any questions about this giving opportunity.