Session Notes: December 2024

Your Session sat for its final regular monthly meeting this week.  It has been a challenging year, but we are not dissatisfied with our progress as the year ends.

Elder and Finance Chair Anna Zelinsky presented – and we approved – a proposed 2025 budget.  Total revenue, including pledges, gifts and Miriam’s Kitchen contributions, is about $675,000.  Total expense, assuming full staffing phased in over the year, is $1,075,000, leaving a $400,000 deficit that will be drawn from the endowment.

The endowment draw is about 10% of the fund’s current balance.  It’s not quite at a sustainable level, but – thanks to the new arrangement with MK and close management of overhead and building costs – it’s a substantial improvement over previous years.

Of course, these numbers will move as the year develops.  You’ll hear more about this (and have the opportunity to ask questions) at our annual congregational meeting in January.

Things are moving in our designated pastor search, slowed down somewhat by holiday schedules.  Elder Susie Farr will report separately.

Except by looking back over our shoulder, it’s easy to miss how much change has occurred at Western in the past two years.  In essential ways, we are different church than we were then – or ten years ago when John Wimberly departed.  Next year, with the spiritual wind is in our “sailboat church” sails, we’ll see what other remarkable changes God has in store for us. 

As always, we’re grateful for your trust and support -- and welcome your prayers!