I know a Financial Update doesn't feel very devotional, but sometimes I use this space to share important information on the life of the church. And besides, stewardship is a very spiritual matter, and we have a lot to celebrate.
It has been very rewarding to return after three months, following a very significant General Conference, and know that St. Luke's has remained financially strong through the summer.
As of July 31, our year-to-date income was $3,672,305. This is close to $340,000 over where we were a year ago! It's also roughly $27,000 over our year-to-date expenses. Normally, we are behind expenses at this point in the year as many folks are away during the summer. (Some years ago, our treasurer used to say that St. Luke's runs in the black just one week a year, the last one!) Fortunately, our expenses are about $200,000 below budget, which means our staff and leadership committees have been very frugal.
Now, July by itself was a dip. Our income for the month was close to $40,000 below the anticipated income, so your gifts are still very important and will help close the year well. If you have been traveling and gotten behind in your giving, please be mindful of that as you get back into your routines.
Mainly, I share this news to celebrate our church's generosity and to say thank you for your faithful support. This is especially important for what is coming up in September. We are going to reveal a major building renovation campaign that includes some new construction. This campaign is called "Making Room," and a number of St. Lukers have already committed major gifts to get us started. You'll be hearing all about this starting September 8th!
Thank you, too, for the more than $5,000 given so far to Hebron UMC in Nepal. You got to experience the vitality and energy of their pastor, Rev. Jeewan Lama, in the video clip I showed last Sunday where he interpreted my sermon to the congregation. He is elated by the news of your generosity and expresses his deep gratitude, saying that this will help them with many current needs.
As the Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians about the impact of their giving for the Macedonian Church, it "stirred them up." Well, St. Luke's, know that your generosity is causing ripples of joy in Kathmandu and all around the world!
Thank you!
Rob