A Letter from the SRBA Finance Committee
The Savannah River Baptist Association has a rich heritage of ministry in Jasper and Beaufort Counties since 1802. As we’ve shared the journey for the past 200 years we have experienced times of challenge and opportunity. Even as we anticipate the opportunities unveiled by our recent futuring process, we also face the economic challenges of the times in which we live.
At our April Spring Session we rallied around the vision of Baptist congregations working together with God to carry out Christ’s mission. This has been our focus over the past two centuries. However, the economic challenges we face today threaten our ability to carry out Christ’s mission.
Giving to Savannah River Association has declined 42% from 2007. Savannah River Baptist Churches pooled together $17,550.00 monthly in 2007 for association work. Currently, we receive an average of $10,300.00 for our work together. All of this means we are looking at a $50,000 shortfall in our 2010 budget. As an association of churches we cannot continue to minister effectively in Beaufort and Jasper Counties with such a shortfall. If this continues we face the possibility of discontinuing ministry or losing staff.
To help us as a Finance Committee address this problem we are hosting three listening sessions which will be held as follows:
· North of Broad churches will meet at the Baptist Church of Beaufort Monday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Green Room (to left of sanctuary);
· South of Broad churches will meet at First Baptist Bluffton Tuesday, May 25, at 7:00 p.m. (in the choir room);
· Jasper County churches will meet at Ridgeland Baptist on Tuesday, June 01, at 7:00 p.m. (in the Fellowship Hall).
We are inviting to these listening sessions the Pastor, Chairman of Deacons and the Chair of Finance of each church in the Savannah River Baptist Association.
Together as an association of churches we have been able to overcome many challenges in the past. We are certain as we join together as an association of churches we will see God’s continued blessings in Jasper and Beaufort Counties.
Thank you in advance for your past and future help,
Finance Committee of Savannah River Association
