News & Events

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From the Desk of Pastor Mary Allen Dear Friends, Budget Items Explained Over the next several months we plan to have explanations of some of the items of the Church Budget so that everyone knows what is what...... This Month: Priest Discretionary Account: It is an ancient tradition that the clergy have funds at their disposal “for relief of the poor”.  These monies are to used, literally, at the discretion of the priest and the premise is that what they are used for remains confidential. The tradition again was that the funds were based on a once a month amount from a Sunday plate offering. Most congregations today have an annual budget figure which is designated as Discretionary Funds. At St. Philip’s that amount is minimal at $600.00 a year, or $50.00  a month. Those funds often get used to help someone with rent, utilities, food, gas and medical costs. Our Diocesan Policy states this: Discretionary Funds (p. 31-3) National canons provide guidelines on the use of discretionary funds. Their primary purpose is providing assistance to the poor, but donations may also be made to recognized charitable organizations, and items may be purchased for the congregation’s (but not clergy’s personal) use. Whether given by individuals or provided by the annual budget, discretionary funds must be directed through the church and deposited in an account bearing the church’s name and tax ID number. A confidential record of expenditures should be kept and the account audited annually as part of the church audit, with provisions made for recipient confidentiality. Pax, Rev. Mary Back to the menu

Events in Our Church Family Life. Photo Gallery August 2006 Church Picnic & Eucharist July 2006 Vacation Bible School July 10, 2005 Celebration of New Ministry Upcoming Events |Check the Calender link for upcoming events. Publications The Philippian... Our Newsletter September 2006 These are Acrobat PDF files get the reader at www.adobe.com Archives August 2006 June&July 2006 May 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005 November 2005 October 2005 September 2005