On January 8 & 9, Deacons, Elders and staff of NPC gathered for our annual Officers’ Retreat.  Normally the next step would be to follow this gathering with an annual meeting of the congregation.  However, that timetable has been adjusted by a couple weeks, and we felt you should know why.

Session has committed to presenting the congregation with a balanced budget.  It is imperative that NPC live within its means.  This is a financial issue and it is a theological issue.  One need only look at the number of foreclosures in North Fulton to see that this area has many people who live beyond their means.  For too long, this congregation has followed that culture instead of standing as an example in contrast to the culture.

Session is committed to presenting the congregation a budget that contains real pledge numbers.  We must live within our means and will make the difficult decisions in order to do so.  However, in order to do this, we need a full understanding of what our means are.  Simply put, we are looking for a financial commitment from everyone in the congregation.  Many of you have pledged in the past, and I am guessing that all of you have supported the ministries of this congregation financially.

I understand the challenges we all face during this difficult economic time.  I understand how difficult it can be to give money to someone who is asking when you have so many others who are demanding it.  That is one reason why we are looking to lead a group through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, www.daveramsey.com.  If you would be interested in this class, please let me know.  We are committed to leading it, but are still working on the logistics.

We will announce the date of the annual meeting at least two weeks prior to the meeting.  Furthermore, we commit to having 2009 financial reports and proposed 2010 budgets available for people to review one week prior to the date of the meeting.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or a member of Session. We will be happy to meet with you.  

We thank you for your faithfulness to God in this time and place and look forward to an exciting year of ministry together.

Peace,

Patrick