A Critical Crossroads

This past month, St. Matthews reached a critical crossroads. We, as the elected Council of the church, had no choice but to implement a mandatory furlough for our staff. We have also asked the staff to implement other cost cuts which, unfortunately, will impact everyone. This is the wake-up call we were hoping would not come. Here are a few of our insights:

“I am confident we can turn this situation around.” Becky Hill reports that “as a band member I have the privilege of observing your smiles and reactions during worship and I know first hand that St. Matthew’s matters to you!” Barb Connor, long time member, points to all the projects that SMLC has been able to joyfully accomplish in the past and says, “I look forward to more exciting and fulfilling adventures in store for our St. Matthews family.” While we consider the situation to require action, we will continue to be a community of hope, living by faith.

We will also be up front with you. Leighton Lien, Treasurer, reports “our actual giving continues to fall further behind the expected/budgeted amount – at the end of June we are now over $34,000 short for 2010 . . . Please realize that [furlough] is a temporary action to get us through 2010.” Chuck Burr, President, says “We have discussed lots of options to make the congregation aware of the looming crisis but have failed to make an impact on increasing giving to make ends meet.” Karla Lassen, a newer Council member, “could not believe what I was hearing from our treasurer when he reported that . . . almost half of our church family is not participating financially to support this church. We cannot go it alone . . .”

This is what furlough will mean. Beginning immediately, all full time and/or salaried employees will take one month off without pay during the last half of 2010. The staff will try to work out a schedule to minimize disruptions, but it will result in less availability of the staff and some discontinued programs. We will save about $32,000, but will need to reevaluate staffing and all programs for 2011.
You will also notice some effects around the church in those places where cuts are possible. We will not water the lawn (pray for rain!) We will minimize worship handouts, cutting the bulletins and Weekly. We will try to limit mailing expenses, and so ask that you sign up to receive this Messenger over the internet if you are able. We intend to cut our coffee service, to serve as a reminder of what is at stake for St. Matthew’s. We do not want to lose our ability to be a place of grace, where everyone is welcome!

We leave the last word to our President, Chuck Burr: “If all of us would just take a moment and reflect on what a great place St. Matthew’s is and what we have to lose, I’m sure that all would agree that it would take very little on all of our parts to keep it. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated. God Bless.”