12/14/2022

 

Dear Alpena Free Methodist Church Family,

 

This letter is just for your information regarding our church finances and where we stand.

 

First off, we just want to say that we know that our church body is made up of many people who give a lot of prayerful thought as to what to give to the church and to other needs that may come up. It is good to be a part of a group like this. It is because of your often demonstrated love for your church that we write this letter.

 

Giving to the church has been pretty much the same this year as last, but we all know that things are just costing more. The costs of basic things like heating, electric, water, etc has gone up. In addition, we had some building repairs come up that needed to be addressed.

 

Our church budget is fairly bare-bones – we don’t spend frivolously. We seek to honor the spirit of giving to the Lord that we have here and spend as wisely as we know how.

 

But here at the close of the year, we find ourselves considerably behind in some expenses, all told about $11,000.

 

Now, we admit that the rising prices of everything took us a bit by surprise this year. We are making plans for next year and beyond to see our budget balanced and to plan for reaching out to our community with the love and message of Jesus. We write this to you, asking that you ask God if there is something He would have you do financially here at the close of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.

 

2 Corinthians 9:7 New Living Translation

7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

 

Should you be moved to give and choose to do so, you can mark your Offering Envelope, “2022 Expenses”, and drop it in the offering box. Or, access tithely.com through Alpena Free Methodist Church on Facebook or via our website, https://www.alpenafmc.org/.

 

May God bless you!

Your Alpena Free Methodist Church Board