SENIOR WARDEN'S REPORT

Peter Kind, Senior Warden

The Vestry met on December 13, 2005. After Spiritual Welfare of the Cure and Compline, the Vestry granted seat and voice to the newly elected members.

In an unusually long session and with much detailed discussion, the Vestry approved the 2006 budget as developed from the Finance Committee recommendations. The plate and pledge income forecast was increased by $26,000 to $575,000. The increase in expenses, which were principally personnel and energy expenses, was considerably greater than the increase in income. The Vestry, as did the Finance Committee before it, reviewed the increased expenses and potential tradeoffs. An unhappy, but necessary decision was made to reduce expenses for both Outreach and Parish Life to avoid a deficit greater than $25,000. The decision was crystallized by a motion that was made and seconded to increase the Outreach by $20,000, which would have made the budget deficit $45,000. After debate, the motion was not carried, and the budget deficit remained at $25,000.

These are difficult decisions that require a great deal of time, thought, energy and prayer. The budget will be reviewed periodically during the year and hopefully will be able to offset the reductions. Increased individual giving, conservation where feasible, and a larger congregation will all help the situation.

In new business, the Vestry elected officers for 2006 – Senior Warden: Peter Kind, Junior Warden: Ken Wrona, Treasurer: Reed Heddleston, and Register: Susan Pehrsson.

Thanks go to outgoing Vestry members Tony Harriman, Jim Hayes, Dave Lehner, Almetha Powell and Robin Teale for their service in Christ. Each has contributed in their special ways to Pohick Church and its mission. A special thanks to Ken Evans, Treasurer, who structured and presented the difficult choices for debate and decision.