Looks like all is well in (VERY LIBERAL) Upper South Carolina

AN OPEN LETTER TO PARISHIONERS OF TRINITY EPISCOPAL CATHEDRAL
From Bam Gressette, Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Vestry

The Finance Committee has undergone the most difficult budgeting process in which I have ever participated over 2 vestry terms and 6 years on the Finance Committee. After reviewing the pledge payments from 2007 and the 2008 annual pledges, the Finance Committee proposed and the vestry approved a significant across-the-board budget cut versus the initial 2008 spending plan.

The cuts are primarily the result of two factors:

1.) The total of 2007 pledges that have not been paid is more than $100,000. (Use actual)
2.) We have not received pledges for 2008 from over 100 pledging units that pledged last year.

Because we have received significantly less income than was pledged last year, and we have not received the usual number of pledges for 2008, the Finance Committee had no choice but to make some serious cuts in the budget. If you have an outstanding balance on your 2007 pledge, please make every effort to complete your pledge as soon as possible, preferably by May 30th. Statements reflecting 2007 balances were recently mailed to those with an outstanding balance. Even if you cannot fully complete the pledge immediately, please let us know if we can count on receiving the balance over the course of 2008.

Many of us find it uncomfortable to discuss money in a church setting, and ideally we should not have to. I generally feel this way. However, the reality is that if we want to have first class programs, worship, facilities, music, mission, clergy, etc., it takes money. Just like every family has to pay its bills, the church has to pay utilities, insurance, salaries, and so forth. To take our experience at Trinity to an even higher level (such as enhancing our outstanding and growing youth programs), it will take even more money. We need your pledge.

It also means paying what you pledge on a timely basis, and sending your pledge card in PROMPTLY so the Finance Committee knows the approximate amount of funds from which we can budget. We would love to be able to expand the programs and mission work, but to do that, we need prompt pledges and payments. Many parishioners wait until yearend to make the bulk of their pledge, which further strains the budget. However, if you are able to pay throughout the year, doing so would significantly help the Cathedral’s cash flow which could further enhance the overall programming for the church. We are grateful to those of you that pledge and pay promptly, and we are equally grateful that so many have already made pledges to the Restoration Project.

While this letter does not apply to most parishioners, I feel that it is necessary to let everyone know our current financial situation and the cumulative effect everyone’s pledge and the payment thereof has on our church. The Finance Committee thanks you for your support.

Respectfully Submitted,
L. M. Gressette III
Chairman, Finance Committee