The Ardmore Presbyterian Church is committed to growing in faith, building community and expanding our witness in the world. We live by God’s grace, and God often uses the generosity of others to extend that grace to the Church and to the world.
We are thankful for your generosity in 2011. In the midst of an ailing economy, you gave. Because you gave, Ardmore Presbyterian Church continues to provide preaching and teaching, excellent music, wonderful opportunities for children, and support for missions both far and near. Through your gifts, we maintain a beautiful presence on the corner of Montgomery and Mill Creek which benefits both us and a number of neighborhood groups.
Clearly our church struggles financially as everyone has these past few years. In 2010 and 2011, the session adopted deficit budgets. That was a hard decision. At the same time, the church froze salaries for one year and overall has greatly reduced administrative costs. Thanks to cost cutting and additional giving, 2010 was better than anticipated, and 2011 could be better as well. However, deficits are not sustainable. In coming years if the financial situation does not change, deep cuts in ministry will be required.
This seems a strange time to discuss expanding our ministries. However, stewardship is not about timidity. We must live within our means, but we also put our resources where they can make the greatest impact for God’s mission. In September 2011, the session decided to expand the position of Director of Youth and Children Ministry. This will cost the church an additional $10,000. However, we see this as an investment in our existing programs, Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, and Wednesday PLUS. In addition, we see expanded opportunities for our youth and children in worship, fellowship and mission. The exodus of young people away from the church later in life is not inevitable. Nonetheless, if APC cannot increase revenues to match this commitment, the session understands that there will need to be cuts elsewhere.
We know that these are challenging times. Nonetheless, we ask for your continued investment in the future of APC. Consider your commitment as the 2012 Stewardship Campaign begins.
Grace and Peace,
James Hodsden
FROM MATT TAYLOR, MODERATOR OF THE STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEE…
The Stewardship Campaign is beginning at Ardmore Presbyterian Church. This is a time when we, as members of APC reflect on the meaning of stewardship, our relationship to God and to the church community especially as it relates to our money. For our Session, and the Stewardship & Finance Committee, it is a time plan projects for the coming year and to prioritize the many opportunities this congregation has to further God’s word here in Ardmore and throughout the world.
