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Everyone,
As it is almost halfway through this fiscal year it is important to provide you with a brief update on the status of our 2020 budget and our budget management decisions to be effective July 1, 2020. For quick reference, we started 2020 with an approved budget from the September 2019 Mission Conference. This was a balanced budget for $544K in expected revenues and associated expenditures. Our revenue budget for 2020 was comprised of a stretch target of $150K from Congregational Support which was 50% more than in 2019. Our current forecast suggests this target will not be met and only $100K is expected for this fiscal year. Donations of $64K as Contributions from Individuals does seem to be keeping pace with our 2020 revenue budget and so our forecast is for this revenue target to be met. We have also budgeted $10K from Investments as returns and we remain hopeful this target will be met by end of this fiscal year. Revenue from Programs and Activities was budgeted for $201K in 2020. Our forecast is this will definitely not be achieved, however the counterbalance to this shortfall is there have also not been any significant expenditures for Programs and Activities so far for various reasons; and although this means we will miss on the revenue target this will likely be offset by a reduction (or savings) in the expenditure budget. In 2020 we were planning to have $119K transferred from reserves to support the operating budget but based on the final accounting for 2019 we had greater use of our reserves available than was expected, so this reserve transfer is not recommended at this time. In total, we forecast shortfalls in 2020 revenues and reserve transfers of $169K plus other expenditure savings of $51K for a total $220K in budget and amendments. This will reset our annual budget to $324K ($544K-$220K=$324K). Our objective with a balanced budget is to apply budget management so we remain sustainable for the remainder of 2020. This means we have made reductions to our operating costs by $220K in order to balance our budget at $324K for 2020. To take us quickly back to what we knew in September 2019 when we set this 2020 budget, we realized we had a sustainability problem is 2021. We realized 2020 was not sustainable or feasible without using investment reserves. We forecasted 2021 would only be feasible if Donations, Contributions and Congregational Support maintained the 2020 budget levels. We realized we may need to take from Investment reserves in 2020 and again in 2021. When we approved this 2020 budget we expected we had approximately $330K in Investment reserves and this would leave approximately $130K in reserve at the end of 2021, but only if this plan was successful. This plan has not been successful and our fiscal problem moved from the fourth quarter at December 31, 2020 to the second quarter at June 30, 2020 as a result of unmet budget revenue targets and spending more by the end of 2019 than expected. Our beginning Investments at the start of 2020 were $230K not $330K based on overspending in 2019. In financial terms, the problem with deferring is avoiding the inevitable. The decisions we must contemplate now would be the same ones required at the end of fourth quarter December 31, 2020 anyway, based on our forecasts. Not following through on decisions now will mean using our Investment reserves as resources to postpone for no identifiable benefit. Our budget management guidelines and our accountabilities should not buy more time if nothing will change. In simple terms, we need to use resources to move us forward, not just maintain or avoid the inevitable. In fiscal terms at June 30, 2020 we need to move to a sustainable and balanced budget in order to achieve our sustainable operations and programs at the end of 2020 and carry forward into 2021. Therefore, effective July 1, 2020 our Mission Leadership Team have taken steps to reduce commitments for the remainder of the 2020 operating budget to half of $324K and resetting the budget for third and fourth quarters of 2020 (6 months) to a sustainable $162K as follows; Our identifiable sustainable costs are: Program Management $32K Revitalization $23K Canadian Strategies $12K Administration $10K Programs (cost recovery) $85K Maximum Commitment $162K Our forecasted sustainable revenues are: Programs (registrations) $85K Congregation Support $50K Donations /Contributions $27K Maximum Opportunity $162K These budget management changes will make a sustainable budget adjustment now in 2020 at June 30, 2020 and will enable a 2021 budget with the same elements to continue forward as a new base for sustainability. Further, this would protect our $230K in reserves for investments as much as possible for 2021 and the future. Certainly, if there are any questions, please contact me. Respectfully submitted, Sam Smalldon Mission Centre Financial Officer sam@communityofchrist.ca
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Black Lives Matter
Indigenous Lives Matter Lives of People of Colour Matter Are you weary of 2020 yet? Would you like to hit the “reset” button and start it all over again? Or do you want to push “fast forward” and just get through it to see if 2021 can be any better? Have you found yourself conflicted over the day’s headlines – whether they have to do with societal response to COVID-19, or societal upheaval over issues of race, or other large social and political questions of the moment? Is it clear to you what your response should be as a Christian or as a member of Community of Christ? Do you see, as I do, people arguing both sides of an issue and each invoking morality and informed opinion as supporting their side? Who are you looking to for guidance and direction? Political leaders? Scientists? Doctors? Lawyers? Your church leaders? Other spiritual leaders? Media or Hollywood or sports personalities? How about a random person on social media who says they have the answer(s)? Have you noticed I have done nothing but ask you questions? Are you annoyed with me yet? If you don’t like my questions, you may not like my statements either. Sometimes God has difficulty in breaking through to us with the spiritual guidance that we desire and expect. The theme scripture from the lectionary for this past Sunday was Matthew 10:24-39. It illustrates this faith conundrum very well. You may know it. These are the verses where Jesus tells his followers to “not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul,” but rather to “fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (v. 28) Then he challenges our perceptions of him as a person of peace with verse 34: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” He goes on to describe that conflict can be expected among close family members and that his followers need to love him more than they love their parents. It is a challenging and frankly frightening few verses. The scarier thing may be that we are living in such a time where there is much to fear and cause conflict between persons who are otherwise respectful and loving of each other. The on-line worship resources for last Sunday conclude by observing that “Jesus does not say to love someone instead of him, but to love no one more than you do him. … [F]ollowing him means we can’t set aside the gospel for another relationship.” So – do you feel better yet? Me neither. This life of faith – of continually seeking understanding – is hard. And Jesus never promised us it would be easy. If it is of any comfort, I am right there with you trying to find my way through the challenges of our day and time. I pray for you God’s blessings of guidance, understanding, and peace in these challenging times. Steve Thompson Canada West Mission Centre President steve@communityofchrist.ca President Veazey shares some of his own experience in awakening to and confronting racial injustice. His challenge focuses on how racism denies the Worth of All Persons, one of the church’s Enduring Principles. Racism operates in opposition to the reign of God on Earth. And if we are FOR the Worth of All Persons and the reign of God on Earth—as Jesus calls us to be—then we must speak and act AGAINST racism in all its subtle and not-so-subtle forms. Greetings –
Earlier this month church leaders in Canada were made aware of a unique opportunity to partner with the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) in a timely joint statement recognizing and marking the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) in the Canadian context. As the world continues to reel from George Floyd’s murder in the United States, it is imperative that we look inward at our own racial biases here in Canada to support positive change in our own communities. With this opportunity to stand up for racial justice in mind, we distributed a survey to you via our mission centre mailing lists as well as our social media channels. You responded with swift and overwhelming support. We received over 100 responses from all across the country, and the results are in:
We hear you, and I have asked Kerry Richards, our designated representative with CCC, to proceed in formally adding Community of Christ’s support to the joint statement. Jonathan Schmidt, Intercultural Chair of the Canadian Council of Churches, had this to say about our process to survey membership: “I really like the engagement you are doing across Canada--making this more than simply signing on as a leader, but also engaging your communities in conversation.” We see value in- and are proud of- our culture of theocratic democracy. Thank you for helping us to bring this unique aspect of our tradition to the CCC. While signing a document in and of itself is not enough, it is the beginning of a larger ecumenical conversation and actionable steps. By joining this declaration, we are making strides toward fulfilling our call to “…work tirelessly to tear down walls of separation and to build bridges of understanding.” (Doctrine and Covenants 162:6b) We seek reconciliation within our own denomination and through our communities across Canada, and we look forward to hearing from you about the unique ways in which you prioritize to combat anti-Black racism in your congregations. With gratitude, Art Smith Field Apostle for Canada Discussion that took place during our online fellowship gathering this week resulted in a plan being made to get together on Monday, June 15 at 2:30 p.m. if you can make it! We’ll practice social distancing guidelines, so bring a lawn chair, water, sunscreen, etc. and we will enjoy each other’s company! Please note, we will need to ensure there is no physical contact (no hugging, passing phones, games, sharing food, etc.) and if you are feeling ill in any way we ask that you stay home to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If you'd like to bring snacks for yourself, please feel free to do so.
This first gathering is mostly us dipping our toe in the proverbial water here, so there isn't too much of a plan until we can see how it goes and measure the level of interest. We can use this time together to develop a plan to get together on a more regular basis. DETAILS: When: Monday, June 15 @ 2:30 p.m. Where: 3908 31 St. SW Calgary, AB T3E 2P7 What: Low-structure – we will be discussing “what comes next” for our physical gatherings. More details to come soon. Keep an eye on your inbox, and we’ll hopefully see you Monday! Questions? Contact Parker Johnson at parker@communityofchrist.ca. As we continue to explore the guiding question, “Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?” a yearlong series of interlinked Herald magazine articles, videos, and live online discussions begins this month.  The first online discussion group will be held on Monday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. (CDT). This is a free event hosted on Zoom. Apostle Janné Grover will lead a discussion with Matt Frizzell, author of the first article in the series. Opportunties for questions to the author and small-group discussion will be provided.
This event is free but registration is required for the online discussion. Register before Sunday, May 31. Calling all campers who have finished grade 2 through 12. Are you looking for something to do this summer? Register online: www.cwm.events Registration Deadline: June 21, 2020 Questions? Please contact Lisa Neudorf lisa@communityofchrist.ca  Each week CWM staff distribute a weekly digest email containing everything you need to know. From event details, to COVID-19 updates, to general updates, this email is a quick way to stay up-to-date on all things CWM.
Check it out here, and if you aren't already subscribed please do so here. Each week CWM staff distribute a weekly digest email containing everything you need to know. From event details, to COVID-19 updates, to general updates, this email is a quick way to stay up-to-date on all things CWM.
Check It out here, and if you aren't already subscribed please do so here. President Stephen M. Veazey shares this letter of counsel with the church detailing changes in the World Church Leadership Council.
As announced 26 May 2020, 18 paid, full-time-equivalent positions at International Headquarters, in the field, and the World Church Leadership Council will end by 31 December 2020 to achieve the new budget levels for 2021. Notifications to field and International Headquarters employees will be completed by 9 June 2020. Details about the changes in ministries and services caused by these reductions will be provided in the December 2020 Financial Update after the World Church Finance Board approves the 2021 Worldwide Mission Budget. This is a difficult time for the church and especially for its employees. Please be prayerful and compassionate as we mourn the departure of friends and colleagues. |
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