the news from saint nektarios - St. Nektarios

TEST YOUR FUND IQ
TRUE OR FALSE
1. THE OPERATING FUND CONSISTS OF
offerings received through stewardship
pledges, candle donations, weekly
offertory/trays, general donations, and
special holiday appeals to support the
operations of the parish. This fund covers
the costs we incur for liturgical services,
salaries, utilities, youth programs, religious
education, and general administrative
expenses. (True)
2. THE MORTGAGE OF THE CHURCH is paid
out of the Operating Fund. (False -- It is paid
out of the Building Fund and from the Capital
Campaign offerings made to it.)
3. BUILDING FUND consists of donations
made to support the building and property
development of the parish. Sources of
donations include Capital Campaign
Pledges, special fundraisers to support the
fund, memorial donations, and general
donations earmarked for the fund. These
funds pay for the capitalized improvements
and development of the property as well as
the interest and principal payments of our
mortgage. (True)
Stewardship as of 10-10-11
$600,000
$500,000
$400,000
$300,000
$200,000
$100,000
$0
Stewardship
Budget
Stewardship
Pledged
Financial matters
$220,398
Gap
$592,900 $520,236 $372,502
Stewardship
Rec'd
T
What does Holy Scripture say
about Debt?
Fr. Anthony Scott
o a world, a country, a government and a culture apparently addicted to living on credit
cards, second mortgages and deficit spending, Holy Scripture actually offers sage and
highly relevant counsel. How soon we forget that the answers to all the important questions
and dilemmas of life are to be found in counsel with the Lord. The solution is always spiritual.
Consider this choice passage:
“The borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7)
Whew, right between the eyes. Scripture is not always pleasant to read. Sometimes it’s
downright uncomfortable. Here’s another one that is just as blunt:
“Pay to all what is owed them.” (Romans 13:7)
St. Nektarios is carrying a debt – to the tune of $17,000 per month in interest expense. It’s
the mortgage that was incurred on the beautiful new sanctuary where we worship God
together as a parish family. The parish chose wisely when they built an authentic Byzantine
masterpiece, one that would accommodate a vibrant, growing parish and one that would
appropriately honor God. Yet the task is not yet completed.
Perhaps as a community, we should feel some embarrassment or emotional discomfort
that our beautiful Byzantine sanctuary bears the burden of debt. When the ancient Israelites
built the first temple it was accomplished through the free will offerings of the faithful.
Apparently, no debt was incurred. Is it not true that Our Lord has paid all of our debts
through the perfect offering of Himself to the Father? “And He Himself is the acceptable
sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but for those of the whole world.” (I John 2:22) Is
it not incumbent upon us to respond to this precious and saving offering of Our Lord with
humble thanks and faithful obedience in return?
The present debt on the mortgage is approximately $3.4 million. Subtracting outstanding
pledges but including ongoing interest charges, there is a $2.7 million gulf between
anticipated income and retiring the mortgage. By the grace of God, thus far we have
received $927,103 in new pledges from 29 families. Not bad – especially in this economy.
Yet there are another 700 families on the parish mailing list – approximately 500 of these are
stewardship families.
Therefore, retiring this debt is the first objective
in the present capital campaign.
Beyond the mortgage there is the New Ministries Building, sometimes unfortunately and
inaccurately described as “the gym.” It’s a disservice to a building dedicated to ministries – to
serving God and others. It’s true that within the building there will be space for athletic
activities, but that very same space will also accommodate larger gatherings for an evergrowing
parish, such as banquets, lectures, retreats, a shelter for neighbors should
inclement weather threaten and other community service projects such as health and jobs
fairs. Aside from the large meeting/athletic space, there will be a library, dedicated bookstore
space, classrooms, meeting rooms, storage and increased office space – all dedicated to
ministry.
On a personal note, it has been a joy and a privilege to assist with the development of the
parish. I have pledged to Fr. Steve and to the Parish Council that I and members of the
Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Jim Thomas, will personally contact every
household regarding participating in this project. It’s a privilege to give back to God a
meaningful portion of all the countless blessings we have received from Him. And perhaps
it’s also a duty to retire the debt that weighs upon the sanctuary and constrains our shared
ministry as a parish.
When contacted, please be open to a conversation or a meeting
regarding the project. Every gift will be received with gratitude for
the Lord and the Lord alone knows which gifts are truly sacrificial.
May we together light this candle before the icon of the Lord?
Feel free to contact Fr. Anthony personally if you and your family
are ready to join in this holy effort: Cell (347) 831-1848 Email:
frscottsa@gmail.com
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