The committee was discussing the challenges before the church. Various work area chairpersons were championing their area's projects for the new year. A large percentage of the members were continuing to push expansion of the church's ministries. The representatives of the finance committee and governing board were trying to rein things in.
“Look,” said Leroy Simpson, the chair of the finance committee, “we appreciate all the progress the church has made over the last few years but there are limits to what we can do.”
“I agree;” chimed in Agnes Dollar, “perhaps we all should keep in mind that the country is not out of the recession yet. We have some people in the church who are still unemployed.”
Bill Render leaned into the group, “Hard times are no reason to reduce the ministries of the church. It's times like these that the ministries are most needed.”
“That may be true,” said Leroy, “but if you notice we are barely meeting the budget each week. We should thank our lucky stars that we're just in the black. But any more expenditures for these projects, especially the thousands you guys want to spend on mission projects will certanily put us in the red.”
The room was silent for a pregnant moment. Obviously the folks who were charged with carrying out the ministries were a bit taken back
Agnes broke the silence. “Look, we all know what's coming next. The Parson is going to suggest we have bean suppers or a pancake breakfast each month of something to raise the money.”
The parson started to respond but Leroy held up his hand. “Parson,” he said, “I really respect you and I'm really grateful for all the things the church has been able to do since you came. But we're money poor here. There's a limit. And while you've gotten us to do more than we had in the past, it's time we pull things in a bit. You just have to live with the reality.”
All eyes turned toward the parson. He smiled. He leaned forward. In a low but clear voice he said directly to Leroy, “But we have to be true to our calling.”
“True to our calling? What's that?” asked Leroy.
“Our calling,” said the parson, “is to rise above reality.”
timely
thank you
Posted by: wondering aloud | February 01, 2011 at 08:30 AM