new springs news

View Online October 6, 2016 Newsletter Matthew 9:37-38 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” ​From Pastor Dave Dear Friends, ​ In today's post I want to address the financial condition of New Springs Community Church. If you don't normally read this newsletter, some general information may be helpful. We will always be honest about the financial status of the organization. We generally post a summary of finances in the church bulletin once a month. We believe that finances are a part of spiritual formation. To follow Jesus will touch on every area of life: physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, economic, and political. We want, however, to avoid the toxic extremes. Appealing to guilt, or trying to manipulate people, isn't a healthy expression of God's love and God's call. Ignoring the financial part of spirituality isn't healthy, either. For the leadership of New Springs, we've tried to choose a balanced middle path. We will be honest. We'll try to communicate clearly. We'll understand that all of us are in this together. We'll challenge everyone to do their part, not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice. With all of that said, where do we stand? Well, through the first part of the year, we actually had income that exceeded our expenses, and we ended the month of May with a surplus of about $5000. However, our income was not sufficient to cover all of the budgeted expenses for the year. In other words, had we spent everything that was allowed for in the budget, we would have experienced a deficit. During the summer (June, July, and August) we experienced a slump in income, and we believe that slump continued through the month of September, though we don't yet have the final reports for that month. At the present time (end of September) we believe we have a deficit of approximately $10,000 year to date. in other words, we have spent $10,000 more than we have brought in. Now, a summer slump for non-profit organizations is not unusual, and in fact many would say it is the norm, due to vacations, attendance patterns, etc. But that slump cannot continue without leadership having to make significant changes. Here's why: we have no reserve fund. We have restricted funds, donations which have been restricted by the donors for specific uses. Our board of directors (the elders of the congregation, or the Session) allows us to borrow from those funds for temporary deficits, and that avoids the necessity of opening a line of credit with a financial institution. But we are obligated to pay back what we borrow. So, if our financial status improves through the coming months, we will pay back what we have borrowed from the restricted fund, address our budgeted needs, and move forward. If we do not improve, we will need to make changes, and make them immediately. The Session of the congregation will hold a meeting this weekend to address the budget challenges we're facing. We'll report to the congregation on the results of that meeting. In the meantime, of course, we appeal to the principles I mentioned earlier. We are all in this together. Everyone is invited to do his or her part. We won't make this about guilt or about manipulation. Neither will we ignore the challenge. On November 6 we'll celebrate Consecration Sunday, and part of that day's worship service will feature an opportunity for all of us to make a thoughtful and prayerful estimate of giving for the coming year. We see this as an expression of spiritual formation, and as an expression of the life of the community to which we have been called. But, while that day will provide an opportunity for us to address 2017, the challenge of the current year is before us right now. I invite everyone in the congregation to spend some time in thought and prayer about ways in which God might lead you to participate in the mission that we share. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me, or Pastor Corey.​ In Christ's Love, Pastor Dave ​Baptism and Renewal of Baptism on October 16 On Sunday, October 16, we'll celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism during our worship service. If you've never been baptized previously, OR if you'd like to re-affirm your baptism, please contact Pastor Dave or Pastor Corey. Are We Making a Difference? New Springs Community is a Partner in Education with Meadow Lane Elementary School. Meadow Lane is just South of our church on Independence Ave. Pastor Dave attended a Partners in Education meeting this morning and was talking with the counselor at Meadow Lane. He told her we were doing the hygiene kits again this year. She got so excited and told him, "This is just like Christmas!" Hygiene Kits for Meadow Lane Elementary Thank you to everyone who brought toiletries for the hygiene kits for the kids at Meadow Lane Elementary School. Our goal is 100 kits! Please bring any of these items to church. STILL NEED 10 shampoo 19 conditioners 34 combs 53 brushes 7 bars of soap 72 body washes 34 deodorant 80 2-gallon size zip lock bags for packing the kits Toothbrushes and toothpaste are done! Lee's Summit Social Services Requests Help with Food Donations Lee's Summit Social Services food pantry is in need of supplies. Please add the following items to your grocery list and bring to church. peanut butter jelly corn muffin mix stuffing mix macaroni and cheese brown beans holiday food items ​Heroes Among Us Hillcrest Transitional Housing Presents the 16th Annual Gala & Auction Thursday, October 13, 2016 Hilton Garden Inn Silent Auction at 6:00 p.m. Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Program & Live Auction Business Attire All dinner and auction proceeds benefit the Hillcrest Transitional Housing program in Eastern Jackson County. Hillcrest Transitional Housing is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) Corporation. For information, tickets, or sponsorships, call 816-461-0468. www.HillcrestTransitionalHousing.org Potluck, October 16 Join us for a potluck meal on Sunday, October 16. We will eat right after our 10:00 a.m. Worship Service. Bring a main dish, side dish, salad or dessert to share. Children's Church We have a good time in Children's Church with these amazing kids. They aren't always this crazy! They are good listeners, they pay attention to the teaching time and they are eager to learn more about Jesus. We're always looking for more adult volunteers to help out in the Nursery or Children's Church. You can sign up by clicking here. K-LOVE Christmas Tour Steven Curtis Chapman, Crowder, and Unspoken will be performing on December 10 at Sheffield Family Life Center. Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets here. www.klove.com/events/christmastour Talk with Glenda Wild if you would like to go with her and others. Visit us at newspringscommunity.org