We've got a little stormy weather here at 1^st UMC as the picture above indicates. Over the past 10 weeks the congregational giving has been down over $500 per week. Additionally, when considering the effect of "directed" contributions, the giving directed to the general operating budget of the church is down more than $700 per week in this time period. I will point out that this is a reduction equating to over $35,000 per year. This is an amount which seriously jeopardizes the life of this church. Our approved annual budget requires $6,300 per week in congregational giving.

As a result of this recent pattern in giving, I will be posting, at the direction of the finance committee, our congregational giving each week in the bulletin starting July 24^th, 2011. It will denote the weekly requirement versus the weekly giving and identify the gains or shortfalls over the period of time being reported. Please prayerfully reconsider your approach, and the congregation's approach, to supporting God's Kingdom here in Michigan City. It is important to the life, and vitality, of this congregation.

Thank you.

John VW

Suggested Reading: The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn