Dear brothers and sisters.  Where has the time gone? With the first half of the year behind us our giving has continued to outpace our expenses and we are building a cushion to help us weather the lean times that we know will eventually befall us.

But, we are also considering some needed repairs such as the organ speaker that no longer works, an upgrade to the audio system to allow for better hearing and more flexible services, and improved video infrastructure so that we can incorporate a little multimedia such as video clips and graphics to help better communicate God’s Word. By funding these now through the general fund we will relieve some of the pressure from the Trustees who have made up the shortfall that we had for a number of years so that they can focus on some of the bigger issues like roof repair. Where we spend our funds is up to the congregation and will be discussed at the Church Council meeting in September.

A Future With Hope continues to progress and so far has raised $3.6 Million of the $12 Million dollar goal and, in the process, 48 people have been able to go back home and 4600 precious lives have been saved from malaria. A disabled veteran whose son had to drop out of college to help the family recover was helped. A young first generation family who had a broken drainage pipe leaking under their children’s playroom can now know that their children are safe. A school teacher in Atlantic City who had rain coming through her damaged roof for more than a year after Sandy is now dry. But there are still 250 homes that AFWH with its 20,000 volunteers plan to work on. Local missions are being funded all across New Jersey such as Crop Walk, ESL classes, Peter’s Pantry, Family Promise, a senior living center, and more. Your generous donations have made this happen. As we rejoice over the work that has been accomplished, let’s remember there is a lot more to be done and we need to continue to contribute our talents and our treasures to make this happen. So far this year we have donated  almost all of our $1,000 annual goal and 25% of our donation will be used for a local mission that the congregation needs to decide upon. Let us know if the Holy Spirit is tugging at your heart for a specific local mission and we can discuss at a future Church Council.

Thank you for your prayerful generosity as we work together to bring glory to our Lord Jesus.

John Parker

Finance Committee