Lakeside Building Together

Dear Lakeside Family,

I'm writing today out of concern about the large gap between our church budgetary needs and the pledges and offerings received this year. On Sunday morning, I shared with the congregation that we have had a difficult year that has resulted in our available cash falling below $10,000.  This is a result of our mortgage payment which increased to $10,000 at the beginning of the year, several expenses related to the building, and a summer dip in giving.  To add to it, during the month of August we sent out quarterly insurance payments and now we are in a deep need.

The Board has met and along with the staff, we have taken a number of cost reduction tactics to try and reduce our spending as much as possible. Yet, our giving is about $50,000 short of where we need to be this year. So, we are asking you to help in two important ways.

First, give an extra gift this month, to make up the $50,000 shortfall and help us have enough to continue to pay the bills and move forward in ministry. Second, please consider increasing your pledge amount for next year. If all of us could pledge just $100-$200 more per month in the next year we should be able to meet the church’s needs going forward. If you can give more, that will mean more towards new ministries and supporting our on-going ministries like our youth and children’s ministries programs.  

I mentioned to the church, our building is an important tool in ministry. We are able to host the Pumpkin Patch and the Little Learners program. We also have partnered with other organizations to offer space for community outreach. 

In the past two weeks we have had Little Learners families say how much our ministry has blessed their children. Parents stated that they have seen their child blossom in our small school environment; they have opened up and seem more joyful. Your giving provides space for that ministry. Families have had Bible study together for the first time, and some have increased the frequency of Bible study together. We have shared baptisms,  funerals, and supported our community throughout the year. Lakeside can continue to do all this and more, but only if you continue to participate in giving to the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. 

Please consider giving an extra gift this month by following this link and prayerfully consider your pledge amount for next year. Your giving matters.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. David Johnson