Pastor’s Notes

Yesterday I received a check for $25.00 from my credit card company. I was informed that I had “earned” this “reward,” apparently because I’ve used my credit card so much. I was not expecting this money. I do not feel that I earned this reward. It’s a complete surprise, which I think of as “pennies from heaven.” I donated it to the church operating budget. I find it easy to give away things I did not earn or expect.

In Presbyterian churches the Session sets the budget. When your Session adopted the budget for 2025 at their February meeting, there was a shortfall of around $50,000. They looked at the expenditures and found there were no cuts to make. The budget was as lean as possible. The discussion turned to raising revenue. (I want every member of the Session to run for Congress!) As the discussion continued, I challenged your elected leaders to increase their financial commitments to the church. In less than a week their increased giving took care of 20% of the projected shortfall. That’s leading by example.

I am pleased with the leadership they have shown. I bring it to your attention because I believe in transparency. I intend to keep the church’s progress on reducing this year’s projected deficit on everyone’s mind.

And if your credit card company rewards you—or other pennies fall into your pockets from heaven, please consider donating them to the work of your church.

— Pastor Tom