Hilltop Stewardship

I spoke to the congregation in June about our finances. Here is where we are now in comparison with where we were, by month, in 2012.  

Hilltop Monthly Congregational Giving
2012 and 2013 to date

The key point about the above chart is that for May through September for 2013 we are ahead of all the same months in 2012.

When I mentioned this on October 6th during worship Roberta said "Praise God!"

I agree with Roberta and I also compliment the congregation for stepping forward and up and addressing this element of our Stewardship.

There is a lot to celebrate in this chart.

Our plans for 2014 are still in development but over 75% of our income comes to us from members of the church.  About 25% comes to us through Hilltop Christian School, the two Cell Towers, the Best Property and our Mother's Morning Out.  Please note that Mother's Morning Out posts a positive balance to our ledgers.

This next chart tells the story of congregational giving with a look at the last twelve months at each column on the chart.  For example, when it shows January, 2012 it shows the giving for the last eleven months of 2011 and the first month of 2012.  That logic is repeated for each month of 2012 and 2013.  The month in question plus the last eleven months before that.  It has a way of showing us cumulatively how we have done for the last year.

Congregational Giving Since December, 2011
Shown as a Moving Total of the last 12 Months

I show December in 2011 and 2012 in red only to cause it to be clear.  Those two months represent the end of year position for congregation giving for 2011 and 2012 respectively.  We lost about $30,000 in giving in 2012.  I think the low of January, 2013 was a function in part of the departure of several key financial stewards of the church for various reasons.

I see the gradual upward trend since January as a return to more stable finances.

As I mentioned during worship on Sunday, I pray that when people submit their pledges for 2014, they also consider that adding an element of their time and talent to their treasure invested in Hilltop.  While there are many opportunities to serve, I specifically addressed three:

• Financial Secretaries (more than one more), 
• Assistance with the Management of Worship and 
• Children's Ministry.  

That said, there are many chances to serve.  I invite your careful exploration of your pledge opportunity that you received in the September meetings or will receive through the mail or in your mail box in the Fellowship Hall.

We hope to place our commitments to the church on the altar during worship on October 27th.

Pastor Dennis