Greetings. The October Board meeting was held on Thursday, October 21. Following the business preliminaries, Valerie Slade presented the financial report. Despite the challenges that still impact us with the pandemic, the church maintains a steady path financially. The September revenues were short of expectations. However, wedding bookings have increased with higher revenue. Rise Recovery continues to assist Asbury in meeting expenses while maintenance costs are high and Covid impacts attendance. The balance is that the staff continues to monitor expenses closely. The frugality is reflected in the balance sheet with a smaller than predicted loss. Note that the summer months through the fall are budgeted at a loss.
Carr Hornbuckle, Trustee Chair, presented an update on the sale of the Asbury campus. An attorney has been contracted to assist in the contract negotiations. A buyer interested in the entire San Pedro property has come forward without a need to put it on the market. The lawyer will represent the church’s interests to ensure a favorable outcome.
Pastors Holly and Robert, along with Carr and I, visited the Northern Hills UMC Ministry Center on Tuesday of this week. NHUMC has created a marvelous ministry that puts a vision of community ministry into action. We came away with inspirations and considerations as the new AHUMC ministry is planned.
Pastor Holly briefed the board on the staff restructuring for the next few months with the departure of Pastor Matt. During this time, the pastors will evaluate the needs of the church and the staff. A review of the findings will then determine future staffing needs.
The final action was to approve the request to engage Danielle Shroyer as a guest speaker in the Spring. This will be funded through the Smith-Sessions Memorial Lectureship fund. We look forward to Ms. Shroyer’s message.
Blessings to all as we continue to feel the impact of Covid. Prayers that all are well as we follow the Wesley rule of Do No Harm.
Kitty
