THANK YOU for all that participated in making Charley’s last day one to remember. Charley’s family being involved with the Streaming service that including wonderful music. The Zoom Coffee hour with sharing and laughter (thanks, Tiffany) and the car parade (thanks, Julia). We found creative ways to honor him, his family, and his service and gifts to us as a congregation. You are a blessing!
Church Activities Update
We continue to monitor state guidelines on when it will be safe to open the Church. As previously communicated, the church building is currently closed through May 4th. If this date changes, you will receive notification via email as well as through the church phone tree.
Worship:
Sunday Podcast: posted by 8am each Sunday on the home page of the website (http://franklinfederated.org/)
Sunday Live Stream Prayer Service: Sundays at 10am on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/franklinfederated/)
These are planned for 4/26 (Stephanie Potts-Podcast, Claire – Livestream) and 5/3 (Esther Rendon Thompson-Podcast, Claire – Livestream)
Church Finances:
Please send in your pledges and donations to Annette Thompson 171 Main St, Franklin MA 02038.
We are heading towards a cash crisis in the month of May. The Treasurer (Scott Kwarta) has gotten a Line of Credit from Rockland Trust Bank and has also asked and gotten approval from Council to borrow short term funds from the Capital Campaign if needed (they will be paid back).
******PLEASE send in your pledges and donations as soon as you are able.
Approved 2020 Budget:
| Full Year | |
| Income | $ 186,508 |
| Expenses | $ 232,317 |
| Operating Loss | ($45, 809) |
FFC's income and spending are trending to the level of the approved deficit. Based on this, the treasurer has recommended the changes below as holds on spending and Church Council approved the recommendation. Additionally, the budget will be reworked and communicated once the Interim pastor is hired and the compensation and start date are finalized.
Recommendations
1- Do not pay certain donation expenses until such time we know we covered operating expenses:
ABC Mission annual giving $3,000.00
UCC Mission annual giving $6,863.80
FFC Mission Program funding $8,533.37
Current Budget Deficit ($45,809.93)
Operating Deficit ($27,412.76)
| YTD | Actual | Budget | Difference | Comments |
| Income | $ 49,711 | $ 46,771 | 2,940 | 1) This includes the receipt of the $5000 UCC donation that was approved at the Annual meeting. It will not trend forward. 2) There is approximately $10,000 of revenue in jeopardy from cancelled rental income and events |
| Expenses | $ 56,656 | $ 55,645 | 1,011 | Small overage due to primarily rubbish removal |
| Net Surplus (Deficit) | ($6,945) | ($8,874) | 1,929 |
Interim Search:
The Interim Search team has been hard at work interviewing and discerning. They expect to have an announcement within the next two weeks that will include the selected candidate as well as the planned start date. Thank you to this team for their diligence and spirit led process to help our church find a leader in this transition time.
Deacon’s Fund:
In these uncertain times, just a reminder that the Deacon’s Fund is available to support specific financial needs. Requests can be sent to the office at franklin.federated@gmail.com. Kevin Thompson is the Deacon that will be in charge of managing the fund during the gap time until an Interim Minister starts. Approved funds are paid directly to the vendor related to the expense request.
Pastoral Care:
We are blessed to have two retired ministers in our congregation that have offered to help with Pastoral Care. Esther Rendon Thompson and Jean Southard worked with Charley to transition this responsibility over the last two weeks.
Resources:
I want to give you information for this gap time that helps you to find the resources you need while we do not have a pastor in place.
| I have a question on | Who should I call or email? | Contact info – Phone/Email |
| Pastoral Care – I need a call or I think someone else needs a call | Esther Rendon Thompson Jean Southard |
Urgent - Call or text 508-843-1207 email: rendonthompson@aol.com Urgent - Call or text 508-353-7140 emal: jksouthard@aol.com |
| I have a prayer request that I would like put on Prayer Links | Email Marilyn Sutcliffe | mesutc24@gmail.com |
| I want something put into the Thursday Email blast to the church mailing list | Email Michele Webster | franklin.federated@gmail.com |
| I have questions about how Worship is going to work | Email Claire Chiboub, Chair of Deacons | clairechiboub@gmail.com |
| I want to request or inquire about the Deacons Fund | Email Michele Webster Kevin Thompson, Deacon |
franklin.federated@gmail.com kjt62052@yahoo.com |
| I have another question that I normally would have asked Charley and Start of Calling Phone Tree |
Stephanie Potts | 617-899-9722 Sbpotts64@gmail.com |
Please stay safe, practice physical distancing, and be healthy.
The Executive Team:
Stephanie Potts (Moderator), Claire Chiboub (Chair of Deacons), Scott Kwarta (Treasurer), Steve Hampton (Chair of Buildings & Grounds)