2010 Budget

As we approach the conclusion of 2009 we are thankful to God for his continued blessings over our church family and seeing us through another year. Financially, 2009 has been a struggle for our church and quite challenging for a lot of our members personally. But with your efforts, the generous contribution of $100,000 from Los Ranchos Presbytery, and PILP allowing a temporary loan modification equal to another $100,000 in mortgage payment reductions; it appears that we will come close to achieving and/or meeting our budgeted goal for the year. We thank God and thank our steadfast congregation here at Trabuco Presbyterian Church for this good news.

Looking forward to 2010, our total budget will be $700,000 and defined as follows: Our Annual Operating Budget, and The Mortgage Reduction Fund. The two are somewhat interrelated. Let me explain.

The Annual Operating Budget supports all of the ongoing expenses of the church; including our current modified interest only 1st mortgage and second mortgage payments. Combined it’s a $10,700.00 monthly obligation. (1st interest only $7,750.00 and a second mortgage of $2,950.00). This is our largest monthly expense. While that keeps our church current in its debt obligations, it does not reduce the $1.977 million in principal on our mortgage - which we still owe on our beautiful church.  

With that said, the second portion of your 2010 pledge will be for the Mortgage Reduction Fund. Every contribution to the Mortgage Reduction Fund either before the end of this  year or at any time in 2010 will be used only to directly reduce the remaining principal balance of the church mortgage. Your commitment and pledged support will help achieve the goal of paying off our mortgage debt.

As mentioned, we did manage to keep moving forward in 2009 with the help of important benefactors:  
•    First, our Presbytery provided $100,000 for our annual budget in 2009.  Los Ranchos Presbytery also supported a parking lot resurfacing project and moving expenses for our Interim Pastor in this past budget year.  
•    Second, PILP (Presbytery Investment Loan Program) agreed to restructure our 1st mortgage so that we only paid an interest only mortgage in 2009 through April 2010. However, we do not have an agreement from PILP that these terms will be extended beyond April 2010.

In these times, we are truly blessed to have the support from the Presbyterian Church.  God has seen fit to inspire helping hands to reach out to us, much as TPC has reached out helping hands to mission work and other churches in need in the past.

As good stewards of what God has given to us, it is important for us to demonstrate to the Los Ranchos Presbytery and PILP that they have extended their support in the right directions. Of the many financially struggling churches to which each organization is called to provide stewardship, they have chosen to back TPC in its determination to get back on its feet and make 2011 a year when special help from the Presbytery and PILP are no longer needed.
You will soon receive your 2010 pledge card by mail. Before you complete and return your card, we ask you to pray over your commitment to TPC’s future and help us increase in 3 ways:
•    First, let us increase the number of individuals and families making pledges
•    Second, let us increase the dollars pledged to our annual fund
•    Third, let us make some progress reducing the principal on our church by a second pledge to the Mortgage Reduction Fund.

As 2009 draws to a close, we depend upon our generous congregation to pledge support for the church for 2010. Every individual’s or family’s basic pledge will help support the anticipated $700,000 annual budget for TPC for 2010. You may fill out a pledge card and drop it by the church office or mail it in to the church. You may also click here to make a pledge commitment directly online.

With our continued faith in God and His continued blessings, our journey in 2010 will be a success.

In His name,
Pete Mitchell
Finance Elder