FUNDING OUR FACILITIES
At our most recent Parish Finance Council meeting on February 23, we discussed how our fiscal year 2023 expenses (7.1.22 – 6.30.23) compare to what we budgeted. We noticed that we’re over budget when it comes to maintenance and repairs. I asked our accountant for details.
Here are the major items in the detail report. We’ve paid for them out of our operating budget.
- Repairing the church’s air conditioning system: $4,196
- Parish Center roof maintenance: $6,590*
- Church building LED conversion: $6,603*
- School building repairs required by fire marshal: $5,037
- School building roof repairs (so far; several thousand more to come): $5,420*
- Boiler improvements: $2,558*
Total = $30,404
*Some items are likely to save us money in the future. Others are normal costs of doing business. Let me know if you’d like to know more.
The Finance Council also discussed our major capital projects for this year—the electric panel and the complete replacement of the school roof. We’ll pay for those with our Capital Needs fund and a loan.
I’m glad to report that our Capital Needs fund has begun to grow, thanks to generous donors. And by the way–have you checked out the video on our website, in support of our Donorbox effort to pay for the electric panel (the “E-Box”)?
PRAY FOR AN ENEMY?
A couple of weeks ago, Fr. Steve suggested we think of an enemy in our life—and pray for that person.
Yowch! I immediately thought of a person who wronged me years ago. I even tried to forget the name. Successfully, too, for a couple of years, until someone said, “Hey, did you hear about _________?” And, bam, that name was back in my memory. It hurt. Now, I’m supposed to pray for that person?
That’s my struggle this Lent. I’m testing Fr. Steve’s assertion that you’ll feel better if you pray for your enemy for ten days. You can’t pray for someone and keep holding a grudge.
Who are you praying for this Lent?
Thank you for your support, and have a great week!
Leave a Reply