2014 Budget Narrative

2014

NARRATIVE BUDGET

GRACE OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

GLORIFYING GOD THROUGH EQUIPPING DISCIPLES TO LOVE & SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS

WHAT IS A NARRATIVE BUDGET?

The purpose of a narrative budget is to describe the major elements of our annual budget in the context of our missional priorities. We hope this will be helpful information for our congregation as we anticipate Stewardship Sunday on November 2, 2014.

As we challenge ourselves to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves, it is appropriate to examine the many ways Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church, Yakima lives out its mission statement: “Glorifying God through equipping disciples to love and serve our neighbors.”

WHY DO WE GIVE?

We give in order to make disciples - who in turn will make disciples faithful followers of Jesus. Consider the words of Paul: God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, “He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out.

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (MSG)

SETTING MISSIONAL PRIORITIES Our Session leadership has spent considerable time discerning areas in which God has especially called Grace of Christ to focus its time, talent, organization and financial commitment. These areas include:

>CHILDREN >YOUTH >MARRIAGE >PARENTING >MULTI-CULTURAL & MULTI-GENERATIONAL OUTREACH While all ministry areas of our church are highly valued, research shows that thriving churches identify key focus areas that fit their particular context and calling.

HOW CAN STEWARDSHIP BECOME A WAY OF LIFE FOR US?

To Encourage Our Congregation’s Consistency In Giving 1. LEARN & GROW Discover God’s desires for you and your family as managers of His resources. Pick-up GIVING TO LIVE, a daily devotional available at the church, and prayerfully use it as a guide as you consider your response. Go online to watch Pastor Cindy’s stewardship message entitled CULTIVATING GENEROUSITY. (YakimaGrace.com & click on GIVE) 2. MAKE A FAITH COMMITMENT Whether you are new to giving, or a longtime giver, take time to pray, asking the Lord how He wants you to give of your time, talents and treasures. Then, set a goal of regular, generous and sacrificial giving to the Lord. Please fill out the attached 2015 Faith Commitment of Giving Card and bring it to worship on STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2.

3. CONSIDER INCREASING YOUR CURRENT COMMITMENT If you are already a regular giver, please prayerfully consider the Lord’s next step for your sacrificial giving.

4. SIGN UP FOR ONLINE/AUTOMATIC GIVING This is a convenient and easy way to help balance-out our giving throughout the year.

(YakimaGrace.com & click on GIVE)

2015 FAITH COMMITMENT OF GIVING CARD STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Our Faith Commitment of Giving Cards will be offered & dedicated during all morning services on Stewardship Sunday, November 2.

The 2015 Faith Commitment of Giving Card is located in the tri-fold that was mailed to homes and is also available in the pews and at the Connection Center. Simply tear-away along the perforation and fill it out in preparation for Stewardship Sunday. You are encouraged to hold your card until November 2 so you may come forward with the rest of your Church family. You may also mail your card into the church office or place it in the offering plate.

HOW HAS OUR GIVING TO THE LORD MADE A DIFFERENCE IN 2104?

DISCIPLESHIP: $41,657

Jesus has invited us to be His disciples. In discipleship, we learn to be with Jesus in relationship so He can teach us to be people who walk by faith. We learn to understand the scriptures, and the beautiful stories of Jesus so He can teach us to be followers who can communicate this faith to others. And we learn to be in relationship with others in an intentional way so we can see our faith multiply out into all parts of this world that Jesus is redeeming.

In order to be these kinds of disciples we need each other; we need the Church. Our hope is that Grace of Christ Church is the type of community where people can learn together how to be in loving relationships where we experience discipleship together. Assistant Pastor Tyler Van Horn, guides this intentional effort that extends to all the ministries of Grace of Chirst.

FAMILY MINISTRIES: $36,986

In addition to Marriage and Parenting opportunities, Family Ministries, led by Shan Trick, also partners with Camp Ghormley to host the Fall Harvest Festival and Mountain Meadow Christmas, as well as offering a variety of family activities throughout the year.

MARRIAGE

Grace of Christ helps couples get off to a strong start through a preparation course conducted by pastors and lay mentors.

Marriage classes are offered to strengthen relationships around Biblical principles. Couples are encouraged to join small groups and participate in Family Ministries.

PARENTING

Parenting may be the hardest job ever, yet people seldom receive any training.

Grace of Christ offers parenting classes proven successful and open to the community to help people learn needed skills. Parents learn better ways to communicate and connect with their kids while receiving guidance for raising Christian kids in today’s world.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES: $206,907 KIDZONE

The Sunday School program at Grace of Christ, led by Susie Woodin, stands out as one of the very best. Special Easter and Christmas performances are treasured. Dedicated volunteers help children from 2½ years through 5th grade learn to know and love Jesus through KidZone.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Children come from all over Yakima to experience the high energy fun of this summer-long learning adventure.

CHILDCARE

Infants and toddlers receive loving care while their parents attend worship services, classes, small groups, Bible studies, meetings and special events.

Childcare is also important to staff with young children.

GRACE OF CHRIST PRESCHOOL

For 29 years, Grace of Christ Preschool has stood out for its excellent and loving instruction. Every year our gifted teachers instill the love of Jesus into children from all over Yakima.

YOUTH MINISTRIES: $83,838

Grace of Christ Student Ministries, led by director Jeff Murray and intern Estevan Mata, provides a safe place for teenagers to learn about Jesus, ask hard questions, and grow in their faith through classes, youth group and most importantly through relationship.

WEDNESDAY COMMUNITY

This is a youth ministry where anyone can belong, be known and hear the Gospel presented in fresh, compelling and insightful ways. Our community is unique in that there are not only GCPC families involved but also young students from outside of the (corporate) Church who see our church as a place where they are cared for, encouraged, and mentored. Meals are provided each week with much appreciated help from volunteers.

SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES

Students and leaders gather to learn more about Jesus Christ and His mission and talk about how we are a part of His great story.

MISSION TRIPS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

There are opportunities throughout the year that provide students a chance to learn about and practice serving our neighbors.

SENIOR ADULT & CONGREGATIONAL CARE $63,559

Pastor Cindy Carter is dedicated to providing opportunities for fellowship, nurture and pastoral care for our senior adult population who constitute a little less than two thirds of our congregation. The deacons are an integral part of this vital ministry. Outreach to residents of Mabel Swan Manor is one way our church reaches out to its neighbors.

WORSHIP MINISTRY $262,634 Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

Psalm 34:3 (ESV)

When we come together to worship and exalt God, He meets us in a unique way that strengthens our faith, makes us more aware of His presence, and refreshes our spirit. This encounter prepares us for everyday life and empowers us to be His Disciples in the world.

Sunday mornings can also be the first connection we have with visitors to extend friendship to our neighbors.

Our worship staff is commited to excellent worship through music, prayer, the Word, and preaching, so people will experience hope, encouragement, and instruction relevant to their lives.

OPERATING & ADMINISTRATION $238,258 The operating and administration expenses at Grace of Christ reflect a very diverse range of activities. Our support staff is the foundation that helps serve and support the operational needs of all our ministries and programs through “people� support, technology, communications and financial accounting.

Grace of Christ has an amazing team of dedicated employees that really are the face of our church that impacts and touches not only the members of our Church Family but also the lives of those who find their way to our doors seeking help.

GHORMLEY MEADOW CHRISTIAN CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER: $26,847 One of the premier ways Grace of Christ is able to impact our community for Christ is through the amazing work of Camp Ghormley. The beauty of this mountain retreat facility is so conducive to experiencing Christ in new or refreshing ways. Campers come from throughout the Pacific Northwest to rest, play and study God’s word.

Ghormley’s excellent staff is overseen by a board dedicated to the interests of the camp. You may make a donation to Ghormley on the 2015 Faith Commitment of Giving Card or make a direct financial gift to Ghormley through their new web site: http://www.ghormleymeadow.org/donate-to-ghormley/

OUTREACH CAMP Each year, a Special Offering raises an additional $19,000 to send children from around Yakima to Camp Ghormley where many hear about Jesus for the first time. In 2014, as a part of our Year of Celebration with Madison House, we partnered to extend an invitation to Outreach Camp to many of the kids at Madison House. Without this sponsorship, many would not be able to enjoy the camp experience.

MULTI-CULTURAL & MULTI-GENERATIONAL OUTREACH: $31,873 CRISTO VIVE

This dynamic Hispanic congregation meets for services in Ward Chapel led by Pastor Gustavo Carvajal. In addition they hold Couple’s Nights, Family Camp, Men’s retreats, potlucks and Bible Studies. Through Restoration Ministry they hold work parties to improve homes in the community.

For the past six years ESL (English as a Second Language) classes have been organized by Cristo Vive, incorporating faithful volunteers from our church.

MADISON HOUSE

Our desire has been to help our congregation develop a missional lifestyle. We have sent a steady stream of both people (over 80 volunteers!) and financial resources to be a part of the life-changing work in the lives of at-risk youth at Madison House. The money given this year has been used to further a beautification and security project, launch new family-oriented events, and give significant support to various ongoing and original endeavors.

SERVICE MINISTRY (MISSIONS): $77,822

Our Mission work takes us around the world and across the street. In addition to local mission efforts, we support missionaries in Ethiopia, Cambodia, Mexico, Egypt, Indonesia, and the Philippines,

BUILDINGS & GROUNDS: $255,840

Our custodial & grounds staff does an incredible job of keeping the physical structure and grounds in beautiful condition despite aging structures Our facilities are heavily used by the community. If you would like to give specifically to the Building Fund to help promote this connectedness, please note the special line on the Faith Commitment card for this purpose.

A GENEROUSLY-USED CHURCH CAMPUS

BLESSES MANY

In addition to our ongoing worship services & programs, the following is a partial list of the many groups that use our campus on a regular basis: GRACE partners in ministry • SOAR: School of Spiritual Transformation • Bible Study Fellowship • Trailseekers • Divorce Care • SOZO Prayer appointments • Women of Action weekly prayer YAKIMA neighbors • Al-Anon • Overeaters Annon • Young Lives Spring Tea & Father Daughter Dance • Davis High School Baccalaureate • Davis High School International Baccalaureate testing • TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly • WSU Nurses Convocation • Union Gospel Mission dinners • American Guild of Organists • Community Memorials

GRACE worship, fellowship & discipleship • Grace of Christ Preschool classes • Cristo Vive: worship, small groups, programs & music rehearsals • Prayer Shawl - Saturday knitters • Senior Adult Exercisers • Parenting Classes • Marriage Classes & Mentoring • Grief Recovery • Discipleship & Small Groups meetings • Kaffee Klatsch • Living a Spirit Led Life Bible Study • Women in the Word Bible Study • Men’s Noon Bible Study • MOPS: Mothers of Preschoolers • Weddings & Memorials • Clothing X-Change GRACE team meetings • Missions: Living Waters for the World, Madison House, Sacred Messengers, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Compassion International, Habitat For Humanity • Women’s Circles & Guilds • Grace of Christ Preschool board • Ministry Team meetings

MINISTRY IMPACT FOR MONIES DONATED

BY PERCENTAGE

...FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING DISCIPLES ...WHO MAKE DISCIPLES

MINISTRY IMPACT FOR MONIES DONATED BY PERCENTAGE Admin & Operating 18%

Worship Ministry 20%

Covenant Partnership 1% Senior Adult & Congregational Care 5% Family Ministry 3% Bldgs/Grounds 19%

Children Ministry 15% Cristo Vive 2% Youth Ministry 6%

Ghormley 2% Service Ministry Discipleship Ministry 3% 6%

TOTAL CASH BUDGET FOR 2014: $1,339,971

ADDITIONAL DESIGNATED MISSION GIVING: $201,000 We anticipate that by year-end 2014, over $201,000 will additionally be given to specific missions including: Union Gospel Mission, Wycliffe Bible Translators, YWAM Cambodia, YWAM Hawaii, Cambodia Building Fund, the Deacons Fund, Living Waters for the World, SALT Academy, Madison House, Camp Ghormley, Grace Youth Mission, Love INC (Love In the Name of Christ), SIMS Ethiopia, Outreach Camp, Project Mercy and Calvary Rescue Mission.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. What did we spend in 2014?

A. By year’s end, it is anticipated that we will spend $1,339,971. We continue to be good stewards by carefully matching expenses and revenues.

Q. What is our goal for the 2014 budget?

A. The basic cost of running the church increases each year for utilities, structural maintenance, health insurance and other expenses.

Implemented in 2014, we now use a “zerobased” budget policy to assure the congregation we are good stewards, Q. How can we reach our 2015 budget?

A. First and foremost, we encourage people to understand that they are not giving to meet a budget, but rather out of love for God and compassion for His people. We belong to a faithful God who will never forsake us!

Q. Why is the church frequently in the red at year’s end?

A. Members often delay giving or completing their pledges until the end of the year because of tax considerations, or waiting to see what they have left at year’s end, or perhaps waiting to see what the church still needs to meet its budget. This giving pattern presents considerable challenges for the church which would greatly benefit from consistency in giving.

HOW TO SIGN UP FOR

AUTOMATIC ONLINE GIVING

Grace of Christ is pleased to offer Automatic Online Giving.

We hope you will find this to be a convenient and easy way to schedule and track your giving from home.

It also provides an easy way to generate reports of your online giving for tax preparation and record keeping.

Just go to our web site: www.YakimaGrace.com and click on GIVE We encourage you to call Tammy in the office if you have any questions.