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...called by God to live as a blessing… 1
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF PUYALLUP
2014 NARRATIVE BUDGET
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple,
they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,
praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
—Acts 2:44-47a
Table of Contents
2 .................................. Introduction
3 ..... What is a Missional Church?
4 .................... Missional Resources
6 ...................... Missional Expenses
7 .............................................Mission
10 .................................... Stewardship
15 ......................... Disciple Formation
19 ............. When Ministries Merge
20 ......................... Budget Summary
2 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
Introduction to the 2014 Missional Budget Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
~1 Corinthians 12:27 (NRSV)
“God has a mission in the world and is looking for a church to carry out that mission.”
First Christian Church of Puyallup has heard this call to mission and our response to that
call in the upcoming year is reflected in this narrative missional budget. For indeed, a
missional budget is nothing more than a “guesstimate” as to how we can best use the
resources God has provided us to carry out our part of God’s mission in the world.
“But wait,” you ask, “How can we carry out our part of God’s mission if we have a 19%
budget deficit? We won’t have enough money!” That’s a fair question. But, in fact, we do
have enough money… it’s already there!
The “guesstimate” of missional resources for 2014 is
based primarily on two sources: the tithes and
offerings of those who give to support the ministries
of our congregation, and the income produced by
those who park their vehicles on our grounds during
the Washington State Fair in September. To arrive at
this “guesstimate” we simply projected the amounts
received in 2013 forward into 2014. So the money
we need to overcome the projected deficit in 2014 is
there… it just happens to be in our own pockets and
in the pockets of those who use our grounds for
parking during the Fair.
So first, to make the money that is already there available for us to use in mission in 2014,
we each only need to take about $6 in tithes and offerings out of our pockets this year for
every $5 in tithes and offerings that we took out last year. It is not all that difficult. After
all, we, together, are the body of Christ and individually members of it.
Second, we need to make folks more aware of our ministries in the community and trust
that God’s Spirit will prompt those who are looking for a parking space to choose our lot
knowing that their money will be used for good ministries. The resources are there for
us… we just need to get the word out!
It all boils down to a matter of faith. Faith that God will provide the missional resources we
need when we seek to carry out faithfully the mission God has set before us. Receive this
budget with those thoughts in mind. Thanks be to God!
...called by God to live as a blessing… 3
The Missional Church… what is it?
You may have seen the word missional in the FCC Puyallup Ministry Plan, church
newsletters, and religious resources. But… what is it? No longer is “mission” just a
person traveling to faraway lands with the goal of bringing the unchurched to Christianity.
The richer definition of a missional church is a congregation that aligns everything it does to
the missio Dei, or the mission of God. A missional church continuously and intentionally
questions their current practices and next moves to be certain their own direction is in
orientation with God’s mission for this
particular congregation, in this particular
circumstance, in just such a time as this.
The missional church is not a place to meet
and be sedentary, and in fact, the church is
not the place at all. The missional church
becomes a moving, living, changing entity,
the incarnate Christ, a congregation of
God’s beloved who are called and sent to
do and be the Church—in the building,
down the street, around the region, and
across the globe.
When considered in terms of God’s vision
for the Church as a body of people joining
gifts to be and do God’s mission, we come
away with the realization that a
congregation like ours is one meant to be
in action: worshiping, gathering, supporting,
learning, tithing, engaging, welcoming,
ministering, “doing and being” in The Way
of Jesus.
In budgetary terms, the church is called to make choices with its resources of people,
property, and finances that follow that same missio Dei. The 2014 budget of First Christian
Church of Puyallup reflects where we are and who we are, but also what we hope to do
and who we hope to be.
2012 Easter Vigil communion
4 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
As we consider the FCC Puyallup resources of people, property, and monetary assets, it
becomes obvious that at FCC we have many reasons to live in hope and faith.
Our volunteers and their varied passions and gifts never cease to be amazing witnesses to
God’s faithful care for God’s church. In 2013, vital volunteer roles in the church were once
again filled by willing lay leaders, perpetuating a long legacy of faithful FCC servants, while
longtime leaders continue to bring experience and mentoring to new leadership at FCC.
First Christian’s ample grounds, classrooms, and flexible sanctuary space provide a
multitude of opportunities to gather, learn, minister, and play.
Individual giving to the General Offering brings in just over half of the church’s annual
income. Although both Fair Parking and General Offering donations were down from the
previous year, budget planners are pleased not to have cut any of the important ministries
of the congregation. Ministry leaders work hard at curbing costs and maintaining budgets.
Even so, the total 2014 budget results in a deficit between projected income and expenses.
Missional Resources
2014 Projected Income
...called by God to live as a blessing… 5
The vast resource of our land makes possible our
biggest fundraiser, parking cars for the Washington
State (Puyallup) Fair. For 50 years, fairgoers have
parked at our facility, and in that time parking revenue
has become a vital supplement to FCC’s annual
financial resources. Nearly half of our yearly operating
budget comes from Fair Parking, which also affords a
huge opportunity for volunteers to play a vital part of
the life of the church. Fair time is a great
chance to nurture relationships and bring
friends to help. Each September dozens of
faithful helpers step up for the 17-day
ministry with almost 1500 volunteer hours
tallied by the time the last flag is put away.
Other means of income include incentives
from purchases initiated at our website’s
Amazon page, room rental fees from the
Puyallup Valley Cooperative Nursery
School which operates in two classrooms
during the school year, and bank interest.
Funds will be transferred from savings to
underwrite an interim pastor during
Pastor Nancy’s 2014 sabbatical.
fccpuyallup.com/amazon
Pete Freeman & Joyce Wolff—
two of FCC’s dedicated volunteers
6 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
Missional Expenses
The Missional Expenses at FCC Puyallup—or the spending that keeps us aligned with
that mission of God or Missio Dei—is divided into three ministry areas: Mission,
Stewardship, and Disciple Formation. Under these three categories are included all of the
work, groups, and actions of our little church in the valley.
Mission is the ministry area that incudes our outward giving and serving of others, our
hospitality and fellowship, and the specific Outreach teams that we support, including new
visions of ministry as friends and members are led to dream them.
Stewardship is the umbrella under which the most outflow falls. Stewardship is a broad
term meaning the thoughtful planning and management of resources; the resources of
people (staff and contractors), of property (building, grounds, and physical assets), of
administration (details of running a church), and of fiscal matters (spending wisely, but also
growing finances so our vision of a thriving, generous church may be perpetuated).
Disciple Formation is the spiritual development and growth ministry area. As we
worship, learn, support, and connect with each other, we learn together to be more
faithful followers—and apprentices—of Jesus.
2014 Projected Spending
...called by God to live as a blessing… 7
Homeless Ministries
First Christian has a heart for working with homeless citizens in our community. Since
2006 FCC has partnered with a growing number of other Puyallup churches to provide
shelter during winter months in the Freezing Nights ministry. In summertime, guests have
lunch and get needed respite at The Hangout homeless drop-in center, created by FCC
volunteers in 2010. Our most recent homeless ministry, Puyallup Advocates and
Transportation (PAT), provides support and transportation to important appointments.
For those without shelter, these ministries often do much more than provide a meal, a
ride, or open our church doors to a warm, dry, safe place to sleep. Often, respect and
friendship are the most important things taken from the gatherings, by guests and
volunteers alike. Lives are touched in so many ways:
We partner with agencies able to provide resources and information to homeless
guests about housing, education, and medical services.
Many guests have been able to move their lives forward, which can happen in a
variety of ways, such as getting into housing, applying for Social Security benefits, and
receiving transportation to doctor appointments, the VA and job interviews.
Volunteers recently helped one of our original Freezing Nights guests and longtime
homeless man sign up for disability benefits, providing rides to appointments, and
advocating on his behalf to get him into treatment for alcohol abuse. This gentleman
is now sober, has a positive attitude, and very close to getting housing.
In 2014, a longtime dream of
FCC Council and volunteers, a
laundry and shower facility for
use by FCC Homeless Ministries,
will be researched for feasibility
by an ad hoc team headed by
new Outreach Chair JoAnne
Fowler.
Missional Expenses—Mission Ministry Area
Volunteers are the key to
Homeless Ministries at FCC.
Here, guests are served a
hearty meal at The Hangout
in Summer 2013.
8 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
The Diaconate provided
burgers and hot dogs
after FCC’s August 2013
outdoor worship service
at Wildwood Park
Lunch with a Friend
One of First Christian’s longest running partnerships in ministry is Lunch with a Friend, a
Saturday meal program for homeless and low income persons started by and hosted at
Peace Lutheran Church in the mid-90s. For 17 years, FCC volunteers have planned a
menu, shopped, prepared and served a meal, and cleaned up on the third Saturday of
every month. For two and a half hours, from 10 am to 12:30 pm, servanthood and
fellowship are one in the same.
Diaconate & Hospitality
“As partners in Christ we know it’s not always the big
stuff that counts, but it’s also the small things that open
our eyes and ears to God’s grace. The Diaconate is a
small group of dedicated individuals committed to
sharing God’s love through hospitality.
We realize the importance of coming
together, not just on Sunday mornings
for worship but at all times, in all
fashions. Our job is to encourage
community and fellowship. We do this
by hosting Bunco parties, ice cream
socials, and murder mystery dinners.
We help organize our yearly outdoor
worship, the 3x3 groups, and
progressive dinners. Our more
missional work includes hosting Lunch
with a Friend, and providing meals
during The Hangout and Freezing
Nights. On a weekly basis, we have the
honor of preparing the communion
table and providing refreshments after church.
Our work in the church may seem small but what we
do helps to keep people connected and bonded as one
in the body of Christ.”
—Kelli Kays, FCC Diaconate member
Missional Expenses—Mission Ministry Area
...called by God to live as a blessing… 9
Missional Expenses—Mission Ministry Area
Disciples Mission Fund Outreach
Did you know the first 10 percent
of all congregational donations and
tithes to our General Offering goes
directly to Disciples Mission Fund?
DMF is the common funding system
of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ), supporting 72 ministries
around the globe.
In addition to our general offering tithe to DMF, Special Day Offering envelopes inserted
into your worship bulletin are offered for designated giving to some of DMF’s other
common funds: Easter (general ministries of the Christian Church (DoC)); Pentecost
(new church development); Thanksgiving (direct support to 14 colleges/universities and 7
theological institutions); Christmas (regional ministries of the DoC); Week of Compassion
(support in areas of natural disasters); and Reconciliation (dismantling racism).
Fair Parking Outreach
At First Christian, we take our stewardship and giving seriously. The first 10 percent of
Fair Parking income is earmarked for our Outreach Team to share with a variety of
ministries and organizations locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. The second 10
percent is deposited in a capital reserve account for building repairs and maintenance.
Learn more at www.disciplesmissionfund.org
10 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
Missional Expenses—Stewardship Ministry Area
Property Stewardship
FCC Puyallup is very blessed to have a beautiful building, free of debt. We are thankful for
the scores of volunteers who keep our grounds looking beautiful and make many of the
smaller repairs to our buildings. The Property Team continues to focus on increasing
efficiency, while decreasing operation expenses and improving livability, comfort and
appearance. However, as it has reached half a century in age, our maintenance costs are
increasing. Our Property Team has done a tremendous job of updating our building.
This year our major upgrade was the lighting. FCC was able to spend $25,000 from an
investment account (before Puget Sound Energy rebates) to update all of our interior and
exterior lights to new energy efficient fixtures.
Estimated PSE rebates: $6,136
Estimated electrical savings: 27,325 kWh per year
Estimated electrical cost savings: $2,377 per year
We expect to recoup our investment in eight years with the savings we gain from using
less power. Separate budget lines for Electricity and Gas have been added so we can track
the lower cost of these utilities due to our improved windows and lighting. The
implementation of these updates is only possible through our capital reserve funds, the
building maintenance budget, and PSE small business rebate program. This emphasis on
energy efficiency reflects both our financial stewardship and our faithful commitment to
being good stewards of God’s creation.
...called by God to live as a blessing… 11
Missional Expenses—Stewardship Ministry Area
Yard work,
flowers, and a new
sidewalk from
driveway to front
door of the
parsonage were
gifted to the
Johnson family by
volunteers last
Spring
In 2013 we piggybacked on 2012 projects at the church-owned parsonage where Pastor
Nancy and her family live (replacement of the backyard fencing, insulation of the attic, and
heating ducts under the house) with the installation of all new energy efficient windows,
the replacement of the home’s failing gutter system, and pouring a concrete sidewalk
from the front porch to the driveway. In 2014, an exterior paint job is on the to-do list.
2013 brought
new life to the
long-dark sign
on the corner
of 9th Ave. &
7th St. SW.
12 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
Missional Expenses—Stewardship Ministry Area
Administrative Stewardship
Administrative Stewardship is broken into areas including the cost of running the office,
with business supplies and support items which reinforce the entire ministry set of
FCC Puyallup, and employee and contractor compensation. Although the
Administrative Stewardship area looks like the largest part of our expenses, it is the
cost incurred for opening our doors to the myriad of missions and programs that First
Christian Church is able to perform and offer. The pastor’s salary is listed in this one
area, however, she is actually involved in and a part of everything else we do as a
congregation, in all of the areas of Mission, Stewardship, and Disciple Formation.
We use a portion of the Advertising budget to store and share nearly 2600 photos
of FCC Puyallup activities on the Flickr website. If you have photos of events,
ministries or activities in the life of church, contact the office—we’d love to add
them to our online photo album!
Check out the photos at www.flickr.com/groups/fccpuyallup/
...called by God to live as a blessing… 13
Church Secretary and longtime
member of FCC Bunnie Stanton
provides support to all areas of
the church, including office
administration, bookkeeping and
payroll, custodial supplies,
Worship bulletins, ministry and
program support, and nurturing
relationships.
In 2013 a much-needed desktop
computer was purchased to
enhance the efficiency of Bunnie’s
work for our congregation.
Missional Expenses—Stewardship Ministry Area
As the church moves to a new accounting system, some former categories have
changed names or merged with other similar categories. The Contractor/Consultant
account now includes the Crib Room Attendant, Accompanist, Accounting Consultant,
and any guest ministers or musicians we have during the year. We’ve also added a new
area of Finance Expenses to help us better track these items. We increased our
Computer & Software budget this year. This will replace Pastor’s old computer and
provide the opportunity to hire someone to update our computer network.
Financial Stewardship
Routine but necessary fees for running a safe and legal incorporated church come into
play under the umbrella of Administrative Stewardship as well.
14 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
Staff & Contractor Compensation
A proposal for a new system for awarding staff for their performance was recently adopted
by our Council. Lump sums will be distributed in January based on annual review in the Fall.
In 2014, Pastor Nancy will take a three-month sabbatical renewal leave; her last being in
2007. The amount needed to compensate an interim pastor for three months will be taken
from savings and shows in this budget as both income (transfer from savings) and expense
to be paid later. Starting in 2014, a monthly amount will be saved in an accrual account to
fund future sabbaticals, so that a full amount will not be needed to be found at one time.
Missional Expenses—Stewardship Ministry Area
...called by God to live as a blessing… 15
Missional Expenses—Disciple Formation
Elders
The elders maintain their activities funded by other ministries and so do not have their
own budget line to manage. Elders benefit from both the Worship and Faith Formation
budget areas in that having a budget for supplies and training can impact the elders as
spiritual leaders, giving them the ability to have resources to study and use in elders'
meetings and activities. The spiritual development of the congregation is of great
importance to our elders, so supplies and training for others in the congregation and
church family is important.
Elders support our life in Worship with their prayers and leadership at the Lord’s Table,
our life in faith formation by leading and participating in studies and small groups, and in
our congregational life by their partnership with Pastor Nancy in visitations and care calls.
16 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
Missional Expenses—Disciple Formation
Worship
Worship at First Christian Church of Puyallup
is a changing and evolving entity. Worshipers
are encouraged to think and be challenged,
praise and reconcile, welcome and be grateful
during the hour we spend together on a
Sunday morning. But it doesn’t end there.
Through a weaving of traditional and ancient,
classic and contemporary, Worship at FCC is
something that urges each person to go forth
from the building and live out their faith every
day of the week. The thing that never changes
is that all are welcome.
Our Worship Team nudges participants to
find new ways of meeting God in our midst.
From candlelit gatherings to worship in the
trees or under the stars, from psalms on the
walls to video prayers on a screen, from
quiet confession to prayers for all people,
we know no two people will see God the
same way at the same time. The Worship
budget lines open the door for being
creative, flexible, and trying new things.
In 2013, the use of projected services
ramped up, and recently a transmitter/
receiver was purchased to enhance the use
of videos projected from a laptop in the
sanctuary.
2013 Maundy Thursday communion
Terry Forslund’s prayer station
contribution to Maundy Thursday
...called by God to live as a blessing… 17
Missional Expenses—Disciple Formation
In 2013, a new cross inspired by original church
architectural drawings was hung in time for the
Easter Vigil. Used as a prayer station at our
Maundy Thursday service where 12 stations of
the cross were created by worshipers, slips of
paper with prayers, gratitude, and names of
those who have gone before were sealed inside,
and the cross now hangs as a joyous reminder
of God’s church in the world, the gifts of the
people, and the resurrection of Jesus.
More involvement from the “priesthood of all
believers” is hoped for in 2014, whether it be
through creation of prayer stations, serving
communion, offering, or as a sound tech,
congregational art during Worship, song leading,
greeting, reading scripture, creating prayers,
or…? With God all things become possible.
Faith Formation
Formally pigeonholed into the somewhat
limiting heading of “Christian Education,”
the more encompassing title “Faith
Formation” has emerged as a great fit for
First Christian Church. Faith Formation
is just that, the formation of one’s faith
at any age, in a variety of settings from
classrooms to campgrounds, and at any
time. Faith grows outside of boundaries.
In 2013 FCC stretched its Faith
Formation wings and is began working
towards meeting each member, every day wherever they may be in their walk with Christ.
For our youth, this was meeting them at camp, for some members of our congregation it
is gathering for Sunday Studies or visiting with other “Back Row Broads” where study
materials were provided to help guide conversations.
Psalm 146 wall décor
Thom Crabb built a new cross
for FCC’s sanctuary
18 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
All members of our congregation were
encouraged to grow in faith together even
when apart through the weekly “Stretching
Toward Sunday,” reflections on the upcoming
readings for the following Sunday, and the new
“Faith Conversations and Connections”
Facebook page. “Old favorites” also continued
as members gathered during Lent at local
restaurants and pubs to enjoy the annual
Lenten Study led by Pastor Nancy.
As we look forward to the new year, we
hope to respond to the input of our
congregation and offer a wider variety of
active learning opportunities through
additional small group offerings, occasional
all church activities, and a special Week in
Mission focus. We’re looking forward to
growing. Adapting Faith Formation to
address not only changing times but the
hearts and interests of our congregation
remains a primary goal and important part
of the FCC mission so that every member
will be actively involved in growing in faith.
New leadership for Faith Formation
emerged in 2013, proving that energy and
momentum are contagious. The Faith
Formation Team is looking forward to the
coming year.
A goal of the Faith Formation Team is to
find ways to better support leadership in
the congregation. We’re proud of Ben
Johnson’s representation of FCC on the
Regional Youth Council (RYC).
Missional Expenses—Disciple Formation
...called by God to live as a blessing… 19
When Ministries Merge
Many times a budget shown in columns and rows of numbers does not
reflect that the ministries of a church actually overlap and blend
together most of the time. Mission becomes Stewardship becomes
Disciple Formation. And that’s good—the ways one comes closest to
experiencing God’s Spirit may emerge in so many times and places.
When Church is working well and at its healthiest, there is a seamless
effect in the real-life, day to day happenings in the life of the church as
all roads—and all ministry areas—lead to achieving the Guiding Vision
of the congregation, which leads to the missio Dei, the mission of God.
As we move into a new year and budget, may we each be focused on
our place in the church. Asking “How can I bring about God’s mission
for this church, in this place?” can reveal new ways to dare and dream.
As a community of volunteers and staff with love of God and the desire
to follow Jesus in common, may we each become aware and observant
of how we can bring the Guiding Vision of Our Church to fruition.
Our Guiding Vision
First Christian Church of Puyallup is a gathering of diverse individuals
called by God to live as a blessing in our own neighborhoods
and in the world.
We dream of being a faithful community of God’s people
whose spiritual practices of worship, prayer, study, and ministry
nurture those who are seeking to live in the way of Jesus.
Believing that every follower of Christ is gifted by God,
we dream of being a family in which each person discovers their gifts
and is supported in sharing those gifts with the world.
We experience God’s welcome in our celebration at the communion
table and dream of being a reflection of that welcome in our acts
of acceptance, forgiveness, generosity, justice and peacemaking.
Written by First Christian Church of Puyallup congregation
20 ...called by God to live as a blessing...
2014 FCC Puyallup Budget Summary
253.845.6232
www.fccpuyallup.com
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF PUYALLUP
623 9th Avenue SW
P.O. Box 516
Puyallup, WA, 98371