Ten years ago, 31% of pastors described their churches as being in "excellent financial health." That number fell to 24% in 2005, 19% in 2008 - and we can only imagine what the figure will be for this year. The recession has hurt us all. Church budgets being as they are, when cutbacks are made, mission usually suffers. This year, the financial crunch among the 38 churches within our Peace River Presbytery has caused a reduction in the Presbytery budget of more than $300,000 necessitating painful cutbacks, including $92,000 to our church camp (Cedarkirk) and ministry to migrant farm workers (Mission Beth-El, and specifically, the projected closure in November, 2009, of  Mission Peniel, the Beth-El extension in Immokalee).
 
That is why we took a special offering in church yesterday. The Presbytery goal is $152,000; these monies will fulfill our funding commitment for 2009 and keep Mission Peniel alive through 2010. The hope is that by 2011 churches will have recovered their financial footings and stop-gap measures, such as a special offering, will no longer be necessary to fund our mission partners.  
 
In case you missed worship yesterday - the Presbytery goal is $9 per member. It will keep Mission Peniel alive. I think it's worth it!