Dear Friends,

As I write this in the middle of December, our fiscal year is drawing to a close and the Session is busy discussing the 2010 budget.  During this time of year, the numbers we work with change quickly as people make end of year gifts for 2009 and others call the financial office to make their Estimate of Giving (EOG) for 2010.

Knowing that things will change by the time you read this, here’s where we stand today.  It appears that for 2009 we will break even; a sign of strong financial management by the elders in a difficult economic environment.  Looking to 2010, we have some good news and some challenges.  The good news is that we have more people who have increased their EOG than who have had to decrease them, for a net increase of $9,806. We also have 41 new EOG’s so far.  These are both good signs for Montview, especially when so many of us face uncertain job situations in 2010.

The concern at this point is that of those who made an EOG in 2009, only 65% have gotten their estimates in for 2010.  If you are among the remaining 35%, please make it a priority to spend some time discerning how God is leading you to support Montview.

I especially hope this letter reaches those of you who have not made an EOG to Montview in the past.  Even if you have given regularly to Montview through the years, I want to ask you to call the financial office and make an Estimate of Giving for 2010.

Why is this important?  Because we make decisions about Montview’s building, staff and ministries based on those numbers.  For example, say you will likely give $2,000 to Montview this year, but haven’t told the church what that estimate is.  If we don’t know what amount to expect, we may decide to cut a program, or a salary or a mission trip, when we really didn’t need to.  And, of course, behind every program, salary and mission trip, there are lives.  Real people are impacted by what Montview decides it can and cannot do each year.

So please, if you are able, let us know that Montview Church is important to you by calling Dan Gasser in the Finance office (303-355-1651, ext. 112 or gasser@montview.org) to make your Estimate of Giving for 2010.  If things change during the year, you can, of course, adjust your EOG as needed.

Montview Church is as strong as the faithful commitment each of us makes each year.  Please support our community and our work in the world by giving generously.

In Christ,

The Rev. Greg Cummins