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Joseph S. Ferrell, Finance Committee Chair

Each year as we approach the annual Every Member Canvass, many parishioners want to know what the vestry sees as priorities for funding in the upcoming year. Although those decisions for 2002 had not been made by the press deadline for this issue of "Cross Roads," I will mention several major items that will be under consideration. Please understand that this list is based on my personal experience and does not necessarily reflect the view of other members of the vestry or the finance committee.

Inflation Each year the vestry makes provision for continuing existing programs at the current level of service, at least. It takes only a glance at the "Directory of Parish Ministries" recently mailed to everyone to see how amazingly broad and diverse is the ministry of our parish. Many of these programs consume goods and services that are affected by inflationary price increases, and all of our staff experience the effects of inflation on their salaries. As of mid-September, the Consumer Price Index is showing an inflation rate for this year of about 3%.

Diocesan asking Our parish has always accepted our full share of the diocesan budget and this year will be no exception. In fact, the vestry has already acted to accept our full share for 2002, which, in effect, made this the top priority for next year's budget.

Music program This year, the vestry decided to expand our music program by making the organist/choirmaster a full-time position, effective July 1, 2001. Funding for that level of service for a full 12 months will be one of the top priorities for 2002.

Elder ministry In April of this year, the vestry received the report of a special task force on elder ministry and pledged to work toward fulfillment of its recommendations. The task force urges the creation of a new full-time staff position to begin work in this important new area.

Enhanced program support As our parish grows in size and complexity, keeping our parish database up to date has become increasingly important as well as more and more difficult and time-consuming. Our parish administrator has asked for a new part-time position (10 hours per week) to do this work. On a related front, the rector has asked that the part-time position of hospitality coordinator be reinstated. These are both examples of behind-the-scenes work that can spell the success or failure of more visible activities.

Expanded outreach In past years, the vestry has striven to increase the percentage of our budget that goes to work outside the parish. This year will likely be no exception to that goal.

These are only the major items that have claimed my attention. Many others will be put forward as our budget process unfolds. Can we afford to do everything we would like? My answer is a resounding YES. This parish can accomplish anything that is within our collective will, but significant expansion in our parish program will require generous responses to the Every Member Canvass.

© 2001: Chapel of the Cross