November, 2009

The Stewardship Committee has prepared this narrative budget to illustrate in a descriptive manner the way our money is used to support the work of our congregation, both within our faith community and in the world at large.

BUDGETED EXPENSES (based on 2009 budget)........$230,008

Our income from loose offerings, non-pledge donations, rental fees, Unity Club gifts, dividends and income from investments, and income producing events such as the House Tour, will amount to about $48,622. Consequently, we will need pledges totaling $181,386,or $56,386 more than we received in 2009, in order to accomplish the work we do.

                     1.   Supporting the Wider Mission­..........$10,953

Our congregation acknowledges its responsibility to share in the support of mission in the wider world. Being a congregation of The United Church of Christ and The American Baptist Convention, we send annual financial support to each denomination as our contribution to their mission budgets. Additionally, our parish supports; The Haiti Peace Quilt Project, Latin American Mission, Ghana Mission, Church World Service, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Hurricane Relief as our commitment to the wider mission above and beyond our local community (covered in #2).

Our parish house and sanctuary are made available to the Martha's Vineyard Community, with the approval of the Parish Council. The Fountain of Life Assembly of God Church uses our parish house for services twice weekly. AA, as well as other community organizations, also uses the parish house for weekly meetings, Our sanctuary is used for the summer Vineyard Sound Concerts and the Plum Hill School uses our facilities for their annual fundraiser. Additionally, our church buildings are often used for weddings and funerals by non-church members. Our pastor participates in several community organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Club and the Vineyard Nursing Association. Other community groups that we support financially are: Vineyard House, Elder Services of Cape and Islands, YMCA, Cancer Support Group, the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Soup Suppers, and families with emergency needs.

The most widely recognized and visible aspect of our congregation's community presence is the worship experience. Our pastor's preparation for Sunday worship, writing sermons, conducting weddings and funerals and other special services, in co-operation with our minister of music/choral director/organist, consumes a considerable amount of their time and resources. This budget category also includes bulletins, candles, music, communion elements and supplies, worship aids and costs for guest ministers/organists/choral directors to serve during vacation periods.

The church school, youth group, Bible study groups and adult education programs are a vital part of our church, coordinated by the Christian Education committee, the pastor, the Christian education director and the youth ministry leader. Curriculum materials and other supplies and salaries for our church school director, Sunday school teachers and the youth ministry leader are included in this category. Our youth group provides an opportunity for students, from our congregation and from the Martha's Vineyard community at large, to become involved in outreach missions and community service projects. The group has participated in the Crop Walk, Relay for Life, a recycled clothing drive, and a mission trip to New York City. As many as 30 students in grades 7 through 12 have been involved in our youth program. We have an active Sunday school program - the annual Christmas Pageant is a highlight. Also included in this category are the costs of Confirmation classes.

Pastoral care is a vital part of our pastor's work, especially for persons who are ill, hospitalized, bereaved, preparing for marriage, going through divorce or facing other crises. Our pastor also directs the intercessory prayer team. Our church secretary provides information and other services to members, such as developing the Sunday bulletin, facilitating the schedule for church use, putting together the annual report, and assisting the officers and committees of the church to fulfill their obligations, while sustaining an easy flow of office order. The monthly In Touch newsletter, the church pictorial directory, the annual 4^th of July picnic and other social events throughout the year all contribute to sustain our church fellowship.

Our custodian takes good care of our facilities. Following our recent restoration project on each of our properties, this section only reflects the costs associated with utilities, insurance and normal upkeep costs related to providing well maintained facilities in which to carry on our work.

Expenses involved in managing the operation of our church include:

postage, telephone, bookkeeping support, supplies, travel, payroll taxes and workmen's compensation. Our pastor oversees the work of our secretary, answers correspondence, takes telephone calls and responds to e-mails as part of his administrative duties.

                    8. Miscellaneous...........$2,000