Assistant Lay Chairperson Report - Annual Meeting January 2004

Stephen G. Hansen

In 2003, we successfully made it through our first year with a new facility, additional expenses, a new mortgage, a mortgage re-finance, and several refinements to the building courtesy of the Property Team. These items, and others not mentioned, are all expense-related issues.

We had our pledge-drive in November, and according to the weekly bulletin, there are still some members who have not turned in their pledge for 2004. In order for this parish to thrive and grow, all of us have to determine what we are able to contribute and remain faithful to our pledge. Our budget is built exclusively on the pledges of our members. In order to remain in the black at all times; we must take our pledge off the top and pay God first.

For those who want to find other ways to support Saint Luke, there are plenty of opportunities to donate our time and talents. Due to the small size of our parish, we should all find some way to help out.

We are all called to evangelize, and I personally feel that our Outreach and Evangelism teams are the keys to the future of Saint Luke. Sure, it’s nice to have a small, close-knit parish, but we need to continue to bring new families into our Church and into the Orthodox Faith. Please make an effort to welcome our guests, make them feel at home, and encourage them to come back and experience what makes all of us love Saint Luke.

Thanks to all of you, who have given so much of yourselves, that allows us to worship in such a beautiful place.