These are exciting times at First Presbyterian Church! We have a dynamic pastor, a growing and energetic youth program and an active group of adults. We are a blessed group and are fortunate to live in a country where proclaiming Jesus Christ, as our Savior does not bring about persecution. There is no doubt in my mind that God has many wonderful things planned for this church. This past year has been bountiful, as can be attested by what has happened thus far:

• We have added 16 adults and 8 children to our church family this past year.
  
• Significant progress has been made with the budgeted deficit and we stand at just $2,000 away from a balanced budget. As we look forward for the remainder of the year we must continue to press on towards our goal of balancing the budget.
  
• Our Christian Education programs have sparked spiritual growth and we have added a ministry team to provide new fellowship events for adults in the church.
  
• We are taking seriously our calling to be a “mission-oriented” congregation. In addition to financial support, we have increased our volunteer efforts in local charities and benevolences making an impact on the needy and poor in our community.
  
• We have added a church website that allows us to reach out not only to our own congregation, but also to those interested in becoming a part of our church family.

• A 6.7% increase in pledges from 2006. To support this budget, we are asking all members to consider at least a 7% increase in their giving from last year. This will bring out total pledge receipts to $231,729.
• Operating within a balanced budget.  It has been the tradition of our church to budget expenses that exceed our income. In 2004 the Session felt it was necessary to embark on a three-year plan to balance our budget. As stated in the Stewardship cover letter we have almost reached this critical milestone. This has been achieved by the grace of God through the generosity of this congregation. We are proud to announce that the 2007 budget is a balanced budget. We will achieve this goal provided we can meet our stewardship targets and continue to be vigilant in holding operational expenses in check.
• Contributing to the Building Reserve Fund. Our facility although beautiful, is aging and occasionally needs some “TLC” to ensure that it continues to be a structure that is pleasing to the Lord as well as to our congregation. There are large expenses that we continue to face that cannot be absorbed in the operating budget.  In 2005, the session was committed to establishing a building reserve account that would be used specifically for large-scale property expenses as they arise. The budget calls for the church to contribute $5,000 into this account for 2007, which is an increase over what was contributed during 2006.
• A 2% increase in staff salaries.  The session believes that our staff has done an outstanding job this past year in carrying out the work and ministry of our church. Therefore, this budget calls for a 2% increase in staff salaries for 2007, plus a 1% bonus that will be paid at the end of the year.
• Continuing to support local benevolences and our commitment to local charities.  Our church provides on-going financial support for a number of local missions and organizations, as well as providing the pastor with a small account to help qualified individuals who come to the church seeking financial assistance.  It is our Christian duty to help the needy, the sick and the poor. Furthermore, we are also called to spread throughout the world, the Good News of salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
• Maintaining high-quality church programs & ministries. From Sunday School to Youth Group to Bible studies to Fellowship groups and events, our church continues to provide multiple opportunities for members to be brought into the transforming presence of Christ. Our 2007 budget furthers this important aspect of church life while instituting other initiatives for our growing congregation, such as the popular church-wide retreat.