Every year Session adopts a budget and asks members of the church family to support St. Andrew’s financially. But in addition over the years church members have contributed resources which have permitted us to engage in activities over and beyond what can be provided through the annual budget and stewardship campaign. I want to highlight a few of these contributions which have added to the life of our congregation.
Member bequests to the church have permitted the church to help our pastors finance their homes. The benefit in our high cost housing market is obvious.
A bequest from a couple has funded a college scholarship for church members. Currently three church members attending college are recipients of this fund.
Members have supported the 1997 Endowment Fund, the earnings of which have been used for a variety of purposes outside the normal operating budget.
Members have supported the 2015 Endowment Fund, the earnings of which have been used to support the annual budget.
Bequests have been received and are invested in Presbyterian related funds. The value of these funds approximates $1,000,000. How to best use them requires informed and prayerful consideration.
Although not the result of bequests or financial contributions from members the church generated substantial resources when we sold property deemed to be in excess of our needs. The money received from the sale was divided into three purposes and has been used for helping others outside the church (Serving All In Love, SAIL), repairing and upgrading church buildings and grounds, and financing the budget with earnings. About $100,000 remains for SAIL purposes and $40,000 is in a maintenance reserve.
Don Vickers