First Parish Bedford UU

Planning for next year is underway. One of the first steps is to develop a budget to establish  what we will be able to support financially. At the Board’s February meeting, we established a  pledge goal of $367,000 for the Annual Budget Drive, a.k.a. canvass. This represents a 4%  increase over the amount pledged for the current fiscal year. This is a modest goal given the fact  hat a significant number of us continue to meet our pledges to the –Bility Campaign. The  projected increase is based on minimal changes to the current budget.

• Adjustment in the compensation for Megan Lynes as our second called minister
• Funding of a stipend for new student minister, Joe Cleveland; position not funded this year
• Projected increases in insurance costs based on current trends
• Continuation of the Sunday morning transportation service

While the First Parish is fortunate to have other sources of revenue, we do not anticipate significant increases to offset our incremental costs. The past year has brought many new  members to the First Parish but we have also have lost an equivalent number both to death and  to moves out of the area. This means that we need to raise these funds from approximately the  same number of potential pledges. Thus, we all need to give serious consideration to an  increase in our current pledge. It is our pledge income that will drive what our final budget and plan for next year. The final will be presented to the parish for approval at our Annual Meeting,  June 12.

Just as funding is a critical part of our planning for next year, we also need to consider how we  continue to secure the volunteer support that is needed to support our plans. The richness and vibrancy of our community is based on the funds we are able to raise through our pledges and  other fundraising; but equally critical are the time and talents each of us offers to make “things  happen.”

As you consider your financial pledge, consult the attached suggested giving guide; also give some thought to how you might invest your time  and talents next year.

* Joan Bowen, Parish Board Chair Members: Mike Boczenowski, Deb Bodeau, Bob Johnson,  Diane Martin, Dave Packer and Delsey Sherrill

*If you have some suggestions on how we might  facilitate your involvement, please let us hear from you.

Attachments:

suggested_giving_guide.pdf

[ ]

34 Kb