|
Be
the change you wish to see -
Gandhi
Treasury Light Notes
As Core Council Treasurer for Our Spiritual Center, I am
glad to report that we have been saying “yes” along with
Spirit, setting our intentions and affirmations, and
manifesting our desires.
Several months ago, we projected our budgets for this
coming year with little data, our expectations and what
we desired to achieve. We are tracking our growth,
expenses, income against budgets we set 5 months ago.
You will see in the 1st graph, Our Spiritual Center’s
expense and income in a pie chart. This chart shows all
expenses compared to all income since October 1st, 2006.
One of the challenges is linked to attendance, and that
is of fluctuating giving in contrast to measured giving.
 For
the last 6 months, our income has been adequate to meet
our on-going expenses of rent, music, ministerial
salary, phone, office supplies, publicity, promotional
activities, tithes, and create a small reserve for
future expansion – which we will need someday. However,
as a member of the Core Council, I also know we must
increase our income or measured giving to accommodate
future plans and growth. I also know and affirm that
Spirit will provide for those as they are undertaken.
Measured giving or tithing as some folks call it, is a
spiritual practice of regularly giving a measured
portion of our income to the place we are spiritually
fed; that helps us experience, and gain a better
understanding of our relationship as and with God. We
are blessed with having a gifted and inspiring minister
and leaders for our gathering place. I honor Rev. Nancy
Herrick in her continuing to say “yes” to Spirit as she
is led into this venture, while others think of retiring
and lake cabins, traveling, cruises, etc.
Some of the places we have tithed to are; United Centers
for Spiritual Living, Unity, Emerson Institute, Open
Book, and Austin Center for Spiritual Living, Austin,
Texas that provided us with some material for classes.
Their minister sent Rev. Nancy a letter that she wanted
to share with you.
|
We received in the mail today your church's
tithe check. What a delightful surprise and
inspiration for all of us. This is the
first time in 30 years that my church has
received a tithe from another church. It is
more than appreciated for the money. It is
appreci-ated for the wonderful demonstration
it is for your church. You are bound to be
successful, for you have positioned
yourselves in the infinite flow of universal
abundance. I'm so proud that we are the
recipient of your abundance.
Love and blessings,
Richard Imprescia |
 The
next chart is for tracking our growth so we can see
trends developing. We projected a moderate growth rate
for the next year as word about the “buzz & love”
circulated through the community that we are open
minded, loving, and caring for all.
We have many exciting plans in the preliminary stages of
dis-cussion, and we will keep every-one apprised as they
are firmed up. In other words – stay tuned! Along with
those plans are abundant opportunities to assist, plan,
lead and be of service. Abundant giving and measured
giving is not only about dollars, but about time. For
myself, while I love to, assist financially, I just love
to get in there and do “things,” help out, and be
creative. One of the gifts of serving is that you make
connections with friends that last a lifetime. I know
that I have!
In Love and Brightest Blessings
Jim Wilkins – Treasurer
|
