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December 2020 |
God's Faithfulness as we Finish the Year |
Dear Friends and Supporters of Flourish Mid-Columbia, I think we can all agree that this has been a year of unique experiences, unique struggles, and even unique opportunities. The global pandemic has had an enormous impact on practically every level of our society worldwide—our health, our economy, our politics, our culture. It has encouraged those of us who follow Christ to seek creative ways to bring his peace to a broken world and divided culture. A few weeks ago, we sent an email newsletter to share some of the ways our Lord is enabling Flourish Mid-Columbia to participate in His ministry of equipping people to live out our tagline of “integrating faith, work, and everyday living” in these unusual times. (If you happened to miss it, you can view the letter here). Even though this year is more “extraordinary” than “everyday,” the fact is, every morning, the sun still rises, and God’s mercies are still new; we can affirm this, even amid our challenging “everydays” this year. As the Flourish Treasurer, it is my responsibility to make sure that funds are well-stewarded, accounts are settled, and employees are paid! So it is in this capacity that I am writing you. We currently have two paid employees—Dan Wodrich, our Executive Director; and Mark Taylor, who is our part-time Director of Young Adult Ministries. Several generous gifts in 2020 have enabled the creation and funding of Mark’s position in the near term; however, Dan’s salary remains dependent upon the general budget, which, in turn, is dependent upon the generosity of friends like you who affirm and share in the overall mission and ministry of Flourish. Each year, the Board of Directors sets a target salary for our Executive Director, with the shared understanding that payment is contingent on funds received to cover salary and other Flourish expenses (makes sense!). In 2019, we were thankful to be able to pay 93 percent of the target salary. This year has been different for us in terms of income, as it has been for many in our country. To date we have been able to cover 71% of the 2020 target salary. We, the Board, are grateful for what the Lord has provided through the generosity of donors. Nevertheless, we desire to cover all our ministry expenses, including the hours dedicated to leading and fulfilling the vision to which the Lord has called us. With this in mind, we invite you to prayerfully consider participating in the ministry of Flourish Mid-Columbia with a year-end gift. And as you anticipate your giving in 2021, would you consider a regular monthly gift? For more information on how to donate to Flourish, including online giving options, please visit flourishmidcolumbia.org/donate. (And do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.) In addition, if you have a special concern for growing the Flourish Young Adult Ministry, we are grateful to receive gifts directed toward that initiative as well. The seed money we have received will only take us so far into the future, and we desire to walk with young adults for the long haul. We are truly thankful for what the Lord has accomplished through your prayers, financial giving, and words of encouragement. Even though 2020 has been a difficult year for many, God has shown Himself faithful, as always! May the Lord bless you in this season as we celebrate His coming! In Christ, |
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Flourish Mid-Columbia |
