Sharon Lutheran Newsletter

Christmas Worship Schedule

During this blessed season, as family and friends gather together to celebrate the coming of our Savior, we invite you all to come and worship with us at Sharon Lutheran.

Christmas Worship Schedule

December 24 Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion at all services

• 1:00pm Contemporary
• 2:30pm Contemporary
• 4:00pm Traditional
• 5:30pm Traditional
• 11:00pm Traditional

December 25 Christmas Day Worship with Holy Communion

• 10:30am

Worship in the New Year

A special worship will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31st at 6:15pm in the Fellowship Hall. This New Year’s Eve service is a series of three interactive services connected with Christmas Music. Each section focuses on a different part of the Old Year or New Year.

• PAST-Thank God for the past year.
• PRESENT-Ask God to forgive our sins.
• FUTURE-Give our future to God.

Senior Choir Presents an Advent Cantata

The Promise Fulfilled, Sunday, Dec. 7, 9:00 & 10:30am. Traditional worship services. This cantata features music proclaiming the coming of Jesus with Scripture focusing on how prophecy from the Old Testament prophets predicted His birth. You are invited to attend and help prepare for our Advent and Christmas season.

Higher Ground Christmas Concert

"A Strage Way to Save the World" Higher Ground Christmas Concert on Wednesday, December 17th at 6:15 p.m.

"Fulfilling the Dream" December 2008

THANK YOU for your continued response to “Fulfilling the Dream”! Gifts totaling $186,119.04 have been received through October 31st, 2008. Overall, pledged gifts to date total $863,782. As decided by the congregation, “Fulfilling the Dreams” gifts will be used to improve our financial stability as a congregation, strengthen our ministry through improving our building, and for mission support outside the walls of Sharon. Thus far, we have eliminated our operating debt and given away over $16,000 in mission support. As reported last month, the organizations designated for this quarter’s gifts (as decided by the Boards of Church in Society and Stewardship) were Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Orleans, Northwood Lutheran Church, the Mashiah Foundation, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, and the Community Violence Intervention Center. The elevator to the lower level of the church will also soon be a reality. What a blessing to see our generosity in action! We’ll continue to update you as this three-year campaign progresses. And of course, if you haven’t had a chance to make a gift to “Fulfilling the Dream” yet, please pick up a green “Fulfilling the Dream” envelope in the narthex or in church office. We’d love for you to join in the dream!

Brent Jiran and Kristi Hall-Jiran

Thank You Dave Braaten and Lyle Anderson

A few of the sanctuary pews have been shortened to accommodate those who use wheelchairs. Thank you to Dave Braaten and Lyle Anderson for giving of their time and skills to accomplish this project. As other sanctuary renovations are made, there will be other changes to make the sanctuary more accessible. Those with hearing difficulties will benefit from assistive listening devices that will be part of the new sound system. A new altar platform will be accessible by ramp, so that those who use wheelchairs or walkers can fully participate in worship leadership.

Grace Matters

One of the great uplifting and inspirational times of the week for me is when I listen to “Grace Matters”. Although I normally catch a part of the program when I drive to church on Sunday mornings, I am able to listen to entire programs any time I want by subscribing to the podcasts. In his interviews with guests and personal reflections, Peter Marty deals with issues and topics that are relevant for our world and for daily life. Thanks to all who have sponsored programs for a month from our parish with their $50 contributions during this past year. Sharon’s support, along with that of Thrivent Financial and other ELCA churches from our area, help to keep this program on the air. Remember to tune into “Grace Matters” each Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. on KCNN Radio (1590 AM). You can go to www.gracematters.org for previews of upcoming programs, to listen to past programs, or to sign up for podcasts. . The month of December is still available to be sponsored on the poster near the church office. Starting in January we will start again with a new calendar of months to be sponsored for next year. Consider sponsoring a month in honor or memory of someone or to celebrate a significant event in your life.

Pastor John.

Board Highlights

Lay Ministry: Ray Pollard, Director

• We are discussing how to increase attendance at worship, member participation and involvement. Our suggestions will be passed on to the Parish Planning Council.

Church Properties: Stan Vistad, Director

• The board has bids from contractors regarding the installation of the elevator. The board expected them to come quicker but everyone is so busy in the fall. Properties will be selecting a bid in the next few weeks. Also we will be de-decorating on the 5th of January at 5:30 pm. The more hands we have the better things go.

Youth: Rebecca Green, Director

• Saturday, December 6th there is a Pancake Breakfast from 8-10 am at Applebee’s sponsored by the Youth. Cost is $5.00 per person. Tickets are available during church services on Sunday and Wednesday or contact Lynn Pollard through the church office. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to our Youth Ministry.

Stewardship: Steve Moser, Director

• The board has been discussing the budget and completed this process. We are encouraging Simply Giving by giving away a gift basket. We discussed the completed Fall Appeal process and the amount that has been pledged thus far. Kristi Hall-Jiran talked to us about the recipient organizations that received the benevolence gifts for the past quarter.

Church in Society: Jane Winter, Director

• Watch for the Hunger Fundraiser, Souper Bowl Sunday Feb 1, 2009

Parish Fellowship: Mary Adams, Director

• We are always planning events!! The Concordia Christmas Concert is the event for December. Tickets are still available.

Christian Education: Vicki Ronkowski, Director

Public Relations: Kristen Shea, Director

Evangelism: Kristi Houska, Director

• Greeters will begin in December with church boards taking turns each month. Plans for a Welcome Center are under way.

Exedutive Committee: Alce Senechal, Executive Director

• Working toward long-range planning. Encouraging discussion on increasing worship attendance.

Consider Supporting Sharon Lutheran Through Simply Giving!

The Board of Stewardship asks all to consider Simply Giving as your sole method of providing support for the ministries at Sharon Lutheran. If you cannot make this change, please consider Simply Giving as a way to provide some of your giving and supplementing your giving through donations provided in the offering basket. In either way, you are providing the church with the most consistent giving patterns that truly provides for easier budgeting in the church. To encourage members to utilize Simply Giving, one of our board members, Pam Elmquist, has developed a gift basket as a prize to be given to someone randomly selected from among those that utilize Simply Giving. The winner of the prize will be selected from those that have either increased their giving amount for Simply Giving or have established a new Simply Giving account during the fall campaign. The basket includes a gas card, travel mugs, coffee, and travel games so would be good for those traveling for the Holidays. In the interest of having more people sign up for Simply Giving, the sign up period to be considered for the prize basket will be extended Dec. 21st. Simply Giving forms are available in the literature rack outside the church office or contact Joan in the church office.

Please prayerfully consider signing up for Simply Giving!

Global Friends Coalition

On behalf of all who work with the New Americans in Grand Forks, thank you for all the books you contributed recently. We have a number of ways in which they will be used as we work with parents and children helping them learn English. Sharon is part of the coalition of churches organized to help these new Americans get settled in our city. Following are some of the expenses we try tio help each family with during their 1st month here, before they get their cash assistance started and their Food Stamps in place. Each family is helped with their rent deposit of ($400-$500), their first electric and phone bills, a bus pass for the 1st month ($32 per month), a weeks supply of food and the purchase of tennis and gym clothes for the high schools kids and other essentials as are needed. Remember they come here with very little. Right now the balance in the checkbook is very low so we are asking anyone who would like to help to send a donation. If you are part of a business or organization that might be willing to help out, please pass this message on to them. Checks may be made payable to Global Friends Coalition and sent to Refugee Resettlement Coordinator, 1001 24th Ave s. GF, ND 58201.

Go Green!

In an effort to be good stewards of the earth, the church office will be working with the provider of our offering envelopes to reduce waste. If you are a participant in Simply Giving you will no longer receive offering envelopes. This process will take place as soon as possible as we work within the schedule of our provider. If you participate in Simply Giving and would like to continue receiving envelopes please contact Joan in the church office.

Cell Phone Recycling Drive

If you have used, deactivated cell phones taking up space in your home, or if you plan to get a new phone soon, consider giving them to The Good Deed Foundation. Collection boxes will be placed around the church to collect phones from now until May 1. Why would you want to donate to this cause? The Good Deed Foundation and the Women's Funding Network have launched a nationwide cell phone recycling program that will generate much needed funding to: 1. Support programs that lift women and families out of poverty; 2. Help provide lasting solutions for climate change, a major contributor to povertyworldwide; and 3. Provide 911 emergency phones for senior citizens and people at risk. Phones will either be refurbished for resale, programmed to dial 911 and donated to those in need, or recycled according to EPA standards. The nationwide goal of the Good Deed Foundation is to collect 250,000 phones by May 1. Please help us reach that goal! This drive is sponsored by the Women of Sharon. To learn more, go to www.gooddeedfoundation.org or watch the bulletin for cell phone facts!

Seeking Volunteers to Teach English to New Americans

No Experience Necessary! Seeking volunteers to teach English to New Americans. Visit the home of a New American once or twice a week to teach basic English and experience another culture right here in Grand Forks. Materials Provided. Call now to get started and be introduced to an eagerly waiting friend.

Memorial Cards

Valley Memorial Homes Memorial Cards are a way for individuals to extend their sympathies to a loved one or friend while providing for the residents and tenants of Valley Memorial Homes. Each card provides the opportunity to donate funds to Valley Memorial Homes. Memorial cards are available for your convenience near the church office or sanctuary. The cards and envelopes are complementary. Inside the card you will find a pre-addressed gift envelope for Valley Memorial Homes. Simply fill in the memorial card for the family and fill in the gift envelope for Valley Memorial Homes. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Sue at 787-7984.

Support for Adult Survivors of Suicide

S.A.S.S. (Support for Adult Survivors of Suicide). This support group is designed to offer hope, healing, and a safe place to explore your feelings and work through the grief of losing a loved one or friend through suicide. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm at Sharon Lutheran Church. S.A.S.S. is sponsored by T.E.A.R.S. (Together we Educate About the Realities of Suicide) And Altru Health Systems.

Money Matters

Staff and leaders of Sharon are responsible stewards of all the resources of this congregation. We appreciate the care and concern that has been shown by many as we are moving to become a stronger and healthier community of faith. The challenges are many, but the blessings are greater. Thank you for your continued support as together we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God.

	2008 Monthly Actual	2008 YTD	2007 Monthly Actual	2007 YTD
October YTD Operating Income:	$63,175.91	$773,952.44	$76,099.59	$837,656.06
October YTD Operating Expenses and Debt Service:	$83,656.07	$818,698.19	$98,947.61	$790,663.45

Regular, sustained giving – As people of faith, Scripture teaches us to give regularly, proportionately and first to God (first fruits). Participating in Simply Giving provides that opportunity. Your offering can be made to Sharon Lutheran through an electronic transfer of funds. Weekly, once or twice a month you can offer first to God. It is a wonderful way to grow in consistent faithful offering and it is a blessing to the church in its reliability. Forms are available at the church or contact the office.

Baptism Celebrations

The Sacrament of Baptism marks a significant moment in the life of an individual as well as the family and the congregation as God joins us to Christ and declares us to be children of God. Sharon Lutheran Church highlights this sacrament in some very specific ways. One is by offering a “Welcome to Baptism” orientation on the first Sunday of each month at 2:30 PM. This one-hour class, led by a pastor, offers information on the theology and practical aspects of baptism for the family anticipating a baptism.

The second method of highlighting the sacrament is by focusing on baptism the second Sunday and the following Wednesday of each month. Baptisms may be scheduled at any of the services that day, and adequate time and emphasis will be devoted to the sacrament. Occasionally, because of family circumstances, a baptism may be scheduled at another church service during the month, but the encouragement is to plan ahead, in consultation with the pastors and church office, to schedule the baptism celebration on the second Sunday (or following Wednesday) of the month. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the pastors or church office.

Welcome to Baptism

To prepare for the celebration of Baptism. These important helps are offered on the first Sunday of each month from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. for those anticipating a baptism (scheduled or not yet scheduled).

“Welcome to Baptism” is intended for:

• Those expecting the birth of a child.
• Those who have recently given birth,
• Older children not yet baptized.
• Adults not yet baptized.
• Family members of those to be baptized.
• Sponsors for those being baptized.

“Welcome to Baptism” is designed to answer common questions about baptism including:

• What is baptism?
• What happens at the service of baptism?
• What is my role as a parent, sponsor, family member of the baptized?

"Welcome to Baptism” will be led by Sharon Lutheran pastors. If a baptism in your family has already happened, those involved are also welcome to participate.

Pastoral Acts

Baptisms:

• 11-09-08 PARKER BLAYZE HORNEY; Travis Horney & April Mendoza
• 11-09-08 LANDON JAMES RINDE; Jeremy & Miranda Rinde

Weddings:

• 11-01-08 Matthew Siders & Jessica Jo Fleck

Funerals:

• 10-29-08 Sheldon Nyhus

Memorial Gifts

General Fund:

• In Memory of: LaVerne Rondesvedt, by Molly Mohn; Ray Monsebroten, by Bonny & Gary Grosz

Elevator Fund:

• In Memory of: Ray Monsebroten, by Vidette Knain; Frances Ginitzke, by Lyle & Yvonne Nelson; Joyce Hess, Jonathan Florence, Edith Lilliberg, Ulric Johnson, Lyle Haakenson, Irene Wald, by Florence Johnson, Leona Peterson, Harry Feilen, Floyd Sordel, Ida Byzewski
•  
• In Honor of: Ken Hursh’s birthday, by Dennis & Cheryl Erickson

Higher Ground:

• In Memory of: Wesley Knain, by Wayne & Inez Knain, Marilyn Linnell, Elenore Grinde, Bill Jr. & FrancesHagen

Bible Study Opportunities

WEDNESDAY AM BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday morning Bible Study with Pastor John delves into a book of the Bible for study and discussion. This year we will study the book of Job from the Old Testament. Questions concerning human suffering and justice, such as “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, will be addressed. Along with the biblical material, we will draw on a video resource by one of the foremost scholars and authors on the book of Job, Daniel Simundson, who is professor emeritus from Luther Seminary. Everyone is welcome to join in the study (even if you weren’t part of a Wednesday study before). The hour-long study begins at 9:45 AM each Wednesday in the choir room. The coffee pot is always on and quite often snacks make their way into the room as well. Come and delve into one of the fascinating books of the Old Testament.

Education Ministry News

CHURCH SCHOOL OFFERING: During the month of December Church School students we continue to collect offering for two charities, CAR (Central African Republic) and LSS New American program. Please see the following website for more detail information about these charities. Synod website: www.eandsynod.org click on Ministry then Global. Lutheran Social Services (LSS) read more about this program at: www.lssnd.org/newamericans. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Nursery News

With thankful hearts we send our appreciation to Stacy Ellingson who has served as the Nursery Coordinator for the past 7 1/2 years. At this time the Nursery coverage and care will be handled by Rachael Puttbrese and the Board of Education. Please watch for more information. Education Ministries is excited to extend it’s ministry to families who utilize the nursery. Should you have any questions or comments on your Nursery experience, please feel free to contact Rachael at 772-3122, ext. 208. or via .

Sharon Lutheran Giving Tree

Sharon Lutheran Giving Tree–Sponsored by Education Ministries. Again this year we are adopting area families in need. In the beginning of December you may stop by the tree in the Narthex and follow the directions you find there. Family names have been provided to us through Red River Community Action. Thank you in advance for your generosity to those in need. *Choose an ornament *Purchase gift as stated on ornament *Wrap gift *Attach ornament *Return gift to church.

Confirmation & Church School Notes

December dates to remember: No Church School - Wednesday, December 17 - Sunday, January 4th. No Confirmation - Wednesday, December 17th - Wednesday, December 31st. Church School & Confirmation resume Wednesday, January 7th.

Christmas Programs

Attention Lambs—2nd Grade Families. Please mark your calendar with the dates and times listed below. Additional information will be mailed directly to your home. If you do not receive your mailer by Thanksgiving, please contact the Education Office. Sunday, December 14th: 1:00 p.m. the 6:15 students, 2:00 p.m. the 5:15 & 11:00 students, 3:00 p.m. the 9:30 students. All registered Lambs—2nd Grade Church School students are automatically in the program. Program practices will take place during Church School. There are no additional practices for these students. Again, information will be directly mailed to all registered Lambs—2nd Grade Families.

Thank You

Randy and I would like to extend our sincerest thank you for all the well wishes, gifts, and blessings we received at the time of our wedding. It has been overwhelming to know how many people were thinking of us. We are blessed by your friendship and love.

Rachael & Randy Puttbrese

Sharon Lutheran Book Group

Sharon Lutheran Book Group meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Join us once or many times. We enjoy conversation and fellowship, sometimes challenging ourselves and almost always having fun! Take a look and see if there’s something you want to read in the coming months. For more info contact .

Dec. 2: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

One of the most important theologians if the twentieth century illuminates the relationship between ourselves and the teachings of Jesus. What can the call to discipleship, the adherence to the word of Jesus, mean today to the businessman, the soldier, the laborer, or the aristocrat? What did Jesus mean to us to us? What is his will for us today? Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, Dietrich Bonhoeffer answers these timeless questions by providing a seminal reading of the dichotomy between “cheap grace” and “costly grace.” The Cost of Discipleship is a compelling statement of the demands of sacrifice and ethical consistency from a man whose life and thought were exemplary articulations of a new type of leadership inspired by the Gospel, and imbued with the spirit of Christian humanism and a creative sense of civic duty.

Jan.6: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

With her disarming, intimate, completely accessible voice, and dry sense of humor, Nora Ephron shares with us her ups and downs in I Feel Bad About My Neck, a candid, hilarious look at women who are getting older and dealing with the tribulations of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, and life itself.

Feb. 3: Life Is So Good by George Dawson

Mar 3: Take This Bread, A Radical Conversionby Sara Miles

Apr. 7: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

May 5: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

June 2: The Mighty and the Almighty by Madeleine Albright

Concordia Christmas Concert

Parish Fellowship is sponsoring a trip to: Concordia Christmas Concert, Sunday, Dec. 7th @ 3:00pm, Moorhead, MN. Please pay & sign up at the table in the narthex.

Golden Age Club

Friday, December 12 – 12:30 PM Friday, December 12th will be the day on which the Golden Age Club will gather to celebrate the joy of Christmas. A potluck Christmas dinner begins the festivities at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Turkey, potatoes, dressing and gravy will be provided, so bring a side dish to share. We will view a portion of a wonderful video called “Amazing Grace: Hymns that Changed the World”. We have viewed part of this video before, but we will complete it by viewing the stories of two great hymns of faith: “It is Well with My Soul” and “Silent Night”. If you would like, gifts may be brought for the residents of the Northlands Rescue Mission. Some suggested items include: key chains, gloves, billfolds, alarm clocks, candy, or gift certificates. Most of the residents are men, so keep this in mind when purchasing your gift. If you bring a gift, label it for a man or woman. Bring a friend or two and celebrate God’s gift of Christmas.

Women Circles

Mary-Martha Circle

• December 11, 9:30 pm - Meet at Parkwood Place. Christmas Potluck.

Rachel Circle

• December 16, 7:30 pm - 2109 S 20th St.. Hostess: Ardis Braaten

Ruth Circle

• December 16, 11:30 am - Christmas Dinner

Hannah Circle

• No December Meeting

Elizabeth Circle

• December 16, 7:30 pm - 1831 21st Ave S. Hostess: Shirley Anderson

Sarah Circle

• Meets once a month on a Wednesday afternoon. Watch for details.

Senior High Winter Retreat

9th - 12th grade Youth at Castaway Club. 13 miles south of Detroit Lake. December 30 -31 - January 1 Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday. Let’s ring in the New Year...2009! We will spend time uncovering some of the “lost” parables...the lost coin, the lost sheep, the lost son. We will explore our world and human characteristics that cause us to be lost and God’s unconditional love for every one of us that makes us FOUND.! Cost is $140.00 per participant. Payment is due no later than Monday, December 8th, 2008. Scholarships are available on request.

A La Carte

Come and enjoy a meal at Sharon during the Wednesday schedule. This is designed specifically for you and your busy schedule on Wednesdays! The following items will be available for purchase: pizza by the slice, chips, apples, carrots & ranch, soda, and candy. Food is served from 5:00—6:30 p.m. in the South Hall. December schedule: A La Carte will server Wednesday, December 3rd and 10th.

Crossroads

Crossroads is a weekly gathering of youth in grades 6-8 on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gathering in the youth room (lower level), it’s a time for fellowship, learning and games. It’s a time to hang out with friends and talk about faith. It’s for you and your friends. Here’s what’s coming up: Dec. 1 - "Lighting The Way", Dec. 8 - "Gifts:", Dec. 15 - Crossroads Christmas Party, Dec. 22 & 29 - No Activities.

Reel World

Reel World is for youth in grades 9-12. Reel World meets downstairs in the youth room each week on Wednesdays from 8:15—9:15 p.m. (NEW TIME!) Reel World is a time to get together and get real! It’s a time of conversation and food, fellowship and fun, media and faith. Bring your friends. Coming attractions: Dec. 3 - Prayer Life, Dec. 10 - Game Night, Dec. 17, 24 & 31 - No Activities.

3-4-5 Alive!

3-4-5 ALIVE! meets on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. in the youth room (lower level). Join us for food, fun, and games. Bring your friends! 3-4-5 ALIVE! will meet on December 2nd and 9th and have our Christmas Party on December 16th! We will resume 3-4-5 ALIVE! on January 6th.

Middle School Mission Trip

2009 Youthworks! Middle School Mission Trip, June 7th thru June 12th. Meeting Sunday, December 9th, 7:oo pm—8:00 pm In the Fellowship Hall Youth and Parents.

Youth Gathering Meeting

Tuesday, December 9th, 8:00 pm—9:30pm for youth and parents in the Fellowship Hall November payment was due Nov 12 December payment is due Dec 10.

Music Ministry News

We welcome Mary Iwan to our music ministry team! Mary brings many gifts to these ministries, and we are excited to partner with her in ministry and sing God’s praises together!

Sharon Lutheran Church offers the following music ministry opportunities…

By Grace

(6th, 7th and 8th grade) meets Mondays from 6:15 - 7:00 pm in the choir room. We will rehearse on December 1st and 8th and have our Christmas Party on December 15th!

Shine!

(3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) meets Tuesdays from 4:45 - 5:15 pm in the choir room. We will rehearse on December 2nd and 9th and have our Christmas Party on December 16th!

Bright Lights

(Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade) meets Wednesdays from 4:45 - 5:15 pm in the choir room. We will rehearse on December 3rd and have our Christmas Party on December 10th!

All of our music ministry groups will resume rehearsals the week of January 5th. If you would like to bring snacks for Shine or Bright Lights, please sign up on the list outside the choir room. We are looking for volunteers to be present at rehearsal (no musical experience necessary!). It might be easier to volunteer your time on the same week you plan to bring a snack for the group. Thank you for being a part of this ministry!

Fundraiser

Tired of cooking breakfast? Sharon Lutheran Youth will be serving an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast on Saturday, December 6th from 8 am - 10 am at Applebee’s on South Columbia Rd in Grand Forks. Tickets are $5.00 each. If you didn’t purchase your ticket during the month of November at Sharon, you may purchase it at Applebee’s on December 6th. See you at breakfast! This is a fundraiser for the youth at Sharon.

Below you will find a document which was presented at the November 23, 2008 quarterly congregational meeting. The summary focuses on non-designated giving. That means money that is given for expenses of our ongoing ministries. The summary lists our ministry expenses, by board, for each of the nine boards within our congregation. The first three columns show amounts given for ongoing ministries during 2005, 2006, and 2007. Those first three columns also show the actual amounts we spent to carry on those ministries.

The fourth column, labeled Projected Y.E. Actual 2008, shows a projection of our non-designated giving and ministry expenses for all of 2008. In other words, that fourth column shows our best estimate of what our financial position will be at the end of 2008. The Finance Committee and Parish Planning Council estimate that the costs of our 2008 ministry will exceed our 2008 non-designated giving by $36,509. We were able to carry over $24,084 from 2007, so we estimate a deficit of $12,425 at the end of 2008.

The fifth column, labeled Budget 2009, shows what Parish Planning Council believes necessary to continue our current ministries in 2009. Based on our recent history of giving, the Finance Committee projects that Sharon will receive $970,000 in non-designated gifts during 2009. Anticipated costs are $1,109, 659, which is $81,659 more than projected 2009 non-designated gifts. Parish Planning Council identified three options for addressing that difference: cut staff (either eliminate a pastoral position, or eliminate two lay staff positions), encourage the congregation to increase non-designated gifts, or consider the possibility of reprioritizing use of capital campaign gifts. Although our giving to Fulfilling the Dream has been very strong during 2008, that money is not available to meet our operating expenses.

At the congregational meeting, the members present overwhelmingly supported concentrating on increasing non-designated gifts. Parish Planning Council will work toward that goal. Please plan to attend the annual meeting (tentatively scheduled for January 25, 2009) to hear more. In the meantime, please contact any member of Parish Planning Council with your questions and with your ideas for addressing this situation.

Significant differences between board expenses for 2008 and 2009 result from the following:

• Education - nursery workers moved from Lay Ministry budget to Education budget;
• Properties - need to restore half-time custodial position to properly maintain building; anticipate replacingtwo furnaces (funds to be transferred from capital reserves account); increases anticipated in special assessments; expect higher utility costs;
• Lay Ministry - increased cost of medical insurance for pastors and lay staff; need for replacement of some computer equipment;
• Public Relations - want to do more advertising outside our walls;
• Stewardship – costs less because one-time capital campaign expense (approximately $18,000) included in 2008 actual expenses not necessary in 2009; interest on operating loan no longer being incurred; and
• Youth - money taken in through youth fundraising and registrations will now be included in congregational budget; expenses of youth mission trips, etc., will now be reflected in congregational budget.

In addition, Parish Planning Council, the Personnel Committee, and the Finance Committee believe that staff compensation increases are necessary. Our staff compensation is lower than in congregations of comparable size; we have not yet caught up for the year that our staff had no increase, and for the years when compensation was increased only minimally.

The final column reflects Visions and Hopes for the ministry of Sharon. The boards have identified ways in which our ministries might be expanded if non-designated gifts increased. Those at the congregational meeting received an additional handout that gives more detail about the visions and hopes. Please contact the church office to ask for a copy of the handout.