2015

STEWARDSHIP @ SILVER CREEK

25%

15%

35%

18%

7%

BenevolencesCommitteesStated SupplyOther SalariesOther Administration

BUT NUMBERS DON’T TELL

THE WHOLE STORY

Budget 2015

BUT NUMBERS DON’T TELL

$3,9

31

$9,81

4

$13,964

$8,190 $19,125

Dear Friends:

It is always a struggle at stewardship season to find a way to talk about your giving and the church in ways that address the tensions in our relationship with money. I want to say, first of all, that money and material goods are blessings from God - but they also have the capacity to captivate us in unhealthy ways. We, like Abraham, are “blessed to be a blessing.” The early church grew because of its witness through the generosity of early Christians responding to the needs of others.

We human beings are charged with stewardship of all creation, and money is one of those things that requires careful stewardship. It is to be used wisely and invested in the work of God’s kingdom, rather than hoarded or lavished upon ourselves.

The session of Silver Creek works diligently to make wise decisions about the finances of the church and to steward the resources of Silver Creek in a way that provides for the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind, as well as for the shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship of the children of God. Church is never “all about us,” but is always about engaging in the work of the Kingdom of God.

In years past, the session has presented to you the budget as a list of projected income and expenses. This year, however, we thought it might be helpful for you to also hear some of the stories behind the expenditures.

What we do with our money has real impact upon real people. From the sacraments to suppers together; from learning to lunches; from Bible study to building maintenance; from VBS to vital campus ministry - there is a story behind each and every dollar spent.

As you examine this narrative, I trust that you will feel good about the way we steward the resources that have been entrusted to us. But I hope that you will also be encouraged to consider how God

might be calling you to reflect anew on your giving and what more might be accomplished with additional resources.

May God continue to bless you richly so that those blessings may overflow to the glory of God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, in the name of his Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Grace, peace and blessings,

Camille Camille Josey

A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR"do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for yourselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that you may take hold of the life that really is life.

-1 Timothy 6:18-19

At that time prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine over all the world; and this took place during the reign of Claudius. The disciples determined that according to their ability, each would send relief to the believers living in Judea; this they did, sending it to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 11:27-30

High-Tech! Yes, that’s SCPC! VOIP phone system (which means no more landline), leading to cost savings andallowing Camille to answer the SCPC phone on her cell, or retrieve VM, from wherever she is. This means that no calls linger unanswered.

A computer with up-to-date software that gives us the ability to track income and expenses in an orderly manner. A copier that can scan and do email in addition to producing the Sunday bulletin and other communications and curriculum. An Apple Airport Extreme router that gives WiFi to every corner of the building and as far as the Pavilion. A thermostat that is connected to the internet. All of this allows us to keep the books, produce the bulletin, communicate with congregation and community, utilize the internet for instruction, have the building nice and toasty in winter or cool in summer by the time you arrive for Sunday worship or weekday meetings.

Utilities, insurance policy, pest control, office supplies - all are included in administrative costs.

$13,964

ADMINISTRATION

BUILDING & GROUNDS

$5,700 DISCIPLESHIP

Three Sunday school classes, eight Sunday school teachers, participants in Sunday school, nursery volunteers, active Women of the Church, a fabulous community Vacation Bible School, a great scouting program with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts as well as a sponsored Girl Scout Troop (through May 2014). There aren’t many small membership congregations who can boast a discipleship program like SCPC.

Children’s Sunday School has grown from one child in attendance to a possibility of eight. On average there are three to four in attendance each Sunday. Dedicated teachers prepare stimulating lessons that engage children in learning about the Bible and how to live a life pleasing to Christ. Crafts projects encourage creativity and also reinforce the lesson of the week.

Youth and Young Adult class is gradually growing and meets on an as needed basis. When they meet there is thought-provoking discussion concerning the Bible, what it means to lead the life of a Christian and how it applies to modern day life.

Maintaining a building constructed in the 1830’s takes a lot of time, effort and money. We are fortunate at SCPC to have so many people contribute their gifts, skills and time to this project resulting in a building that is not mortgaged and is also well-maintained.

This past year, the back hallway floors were refinished, energy-saving lights installed, hallways and bathrooms repainted, dead trees removed, the lawn mowed and maintained.

All of this because of your faithful giving of time, talent and treasure.

Adult Sunday School has included a study of the Psalms, Ephesians and has explored what Presbyterians believe.

Very little of our discipleship budget is spent on curriculum because we have been able to use gently recycled materials, resources that are still available and free materials and resources that Camille has been able to locate for us. Sunday School Teachers were recognized for their faithful dedication and teachers received a small gift and certificate of appreciation.

The Women of the Church group was reorganized in May and are meeting monthly with guest speakers and outings. WoC also participated in the “Backpack Buddies” mission project for VBS, had a “Lumpy old Ladies” pool party hosted by Sue Hastings, and lessons on floral design by Phyllis Cosper.

Community VBS was a huge success this year with over thirty-five children registered coupled with eighteen youth volunteers and forty adult volunteers. Our neighboring UMC churches, Lindale and Silver Creek

shared in this action filled week and Kairos Church in Atlanta contributed funds to help with the “Backpack Buddies.” Camille calculated that between the meals that were served and the meals that were sent home with the children each night, more than 800 meals were served through SCPC that week.

In addition to all of the above, the Scouts meet on Tuesday evenings and participate in service projects such as cleaning out the creek, keeping the grounds clean, adding brick platforms under the picnic tables, preparing Thanksgiving baskets and collecting gifts for Christmas needs in the community. Scouts participate in a special service on Scouting Sunday, they are always here for homecoming and provide a strong service to the community.

$750

MISSION The major mission effort this year came through the “Backpack Buddies” initiative in VBS. As noted above, more than 800 meals were provided during that five-day period. In addition, SCPC provides Thanksgiving baskets to 15 families at Thanksgiving and coordinates with the Scouts to provide Christmas for area families. Our focus at Thanksgiving and Christmas is on serving families who earn just enough to fall through the social safety net, but struggle to make ends meet from day-to-day. Thanks to SCPC members who work in the community schools we are able to utilize the services of school counselors to help identify those families.

In addition, SCPC supports the work of the Presbyterian Campus Ministry at Berry College.

$1,000 EVANGELISM

Jesus tells his disciples that others will know him by the way we love one another. Evangelism Committee seeks to foster an atmosphere of love and nurture for one another that will bear witness to others. The first Sunday of every month we gather for breakfast at 9:00. Breakfast is prepared by the men of the church. On the third Friday of every month, we meet at a local area restaurant for dinner. On the last Sunday of every month we have a potluck dinner. Thanks to Cornelia Gamble and Vicki Blankenship, we have a great ministry that sends notes and cards to visitors, to the sick, to those who are celebrating birthdays and anniversaries. In addition, Evangelism Committee looks for opportunities to engage with the communities of Lindale and Silver Creek. SCPC helped host a table with free hot chocolate at the lighting of the Christmas Star, we worked with the Discipleship Committee to host the community VBS and hosted a cookout by the creek for the community.

$360

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have

love for one another."

- John 13:34-35

WORSHIP Worship is at the heart of all that we do at SCPC. Thanks to your faithful giving, we are able to call a part-time pastor to lead us in worship each week. Craig Barnes, President of Princeton Seminary, writes that Sunday’s sermon is the result of a conversation that happens between God, the congregation and the pastor during the week. While we were gifted with many faithful pulpit supply preachers during the interim, they did not ‘know’ us, they were not in dialogue with us during the week.

In 2014, Camille’s sermons focused on prayer, what the Church is called to be, discipleship, the Great Ends of the Church (the purposes for which the Church is called into being) and about beginnings. In recent months, her sermons have been accompanied by daily email devotionals that encourage us to dig deeper into the Sunday preaching text.

We have had three guest preachers who brought our attention to issues we’d like to know more about: Dr. Sasan Tavassoli, who helped us gain a better understanding about how Christians can relate with those of the Islamic faith. Rev. Larry Martin told us about the horrible scourge of sex trafficking and how Christians are joining forces to battle this evil. Marilyn Borst brought our attention to the persecuted church in places such as North Korea, China, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Cuba and other places.

Rev. Pete Paulsen (who served SCPC in the late ‘90s) returned to lead us in worship as we celebrated our 139th anniversary with homecoming 2014.

$1,500

BENEVOLENCES We are not the church alone at SCPC. We are only one small part of the Body of

Christ. Our contributions to the Presbytery and to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. are a recognition that we are connected to other parts of the Body.

Additionally, through the Presbytery, we join other congregations in contributing to the campus ministry at Berry College.

$3,931 PERSONNEL

Where would we be without these valued folks. Rev. Camille fills the pulpit each Sunday and delivers meaningful sermons. Her concern at the last Session meeting was that she might be falling behind. She only has the next “14 months” of sermons planned. In addition to her sermons, she visits members, takes communion to shut-ins, participates in church activities, meets with committees, works with Bob Finger on the music, moderates Session, posts a daily devotional online, serves on the COM at Presbytery and next year will chair this committee. Whenever you call the Church, Camille will answer the phone. All calls are being directed to Camille’s cell phone and will be answered or returned shortly. No calls are missed. Not bad for Part time. Camille is extremely organized and hi-tech savvy.

On occasion we will invite a guest pastor to deliver a message. We have 4 or 5 guest pastors each year and each one delivers a message from a new perspective.

Each Sunday Bob Finger takes his “spot” behind the organ or clavinova, leads us in hymns (even some new hymns) and directs the choir. The special music adds so much to our Sunday service. Each summer the choir takes a break, but Bob always has special music to enhance our worship experience. It is easy to join the choir, just show up Wednesday evening or Sunday morning for practice and Bob will joyously welcome you. If you stand still too long, Bob will have you robed and in the choir loft.

If you happen to drop by the church on a Saturday afternoon, you may find Celeste Norton feverishly vacuuming, sweeping, dusting, collecting trash, or mopping. All to get the church ready for Sunday worship. Sometimes you may find her there about 5:00 Sunday morning. You can be assured the Church will be ready for Sunday worship.

$27,315

TREASURER’S REPORT We are indeed fortunate at Silver Creek Presbyterian to have such committed and generous members. For 2014, the finances of the church continue to be positive. Through October 2014, the church has a combined balance of $31,167 in the checking and money market accounts. This compares to a combined balance of $28,791 at the start of 2014. A couple of items such as the last few designated chairs have been paid since the end of October and these expenses will bring the balance down somewhat. With continued support, we should close out 2014 in good financial standing.

Average giving per week for YTD 2014 (through October), is $1,044 per week. As per the proposed budget for 2015, the average giving needed to meet the budget is $1,058 per week. So, we are very close to the proposed budget amount for 2015! But I want to encourage you to think about giving to the church not as a matter of meeting the budget, but as a response to God.

Please know that time, talent, and financial support from our members is very much appreciated! There are many ways in which the church affects lives, both within our congregation and outside. Please take a few moments to prayerfully consider what the different areas of the church mean to you and your family as we ask you to renew your commitment for 2015. Thank you!

I will never forget learning one of my best lessons in economics -- from a homeless kid in India. Every week we would throw a party for the street kids, kids 8-10 years old who were homeless, begging all day to survive. Each Tuesday we would get about 100 of them together and throw a party, play games, eat a big meal. One week, one of the kids I had grown close to told me it was his birthday. So I got him an ice cream. He was so excited he stared at it mesmerized. I have no idea how long it had been since he had eaten ice cream. But what he did next was brilliant. He yelled at all the other kids and told them to come over. He lined them up and gave them all a lick. His instinct was: this is so good I can’t keep it for myself. In the end, that’s what this whole idea of generosity is all about. Not guilt. It’s about the joy of sharing. It’s about realizing the good things in life – like ice cream – are too good to keep for ourselves. ~ Shane Claiborne