A word about our finances...

St. Paul’s is so blessed to have received several significant bequests that have been invested and monitored through a fund called the Diocesan Investment Trust (DIT). The total value of these funds as of November 30, 2021, is $480,533. This amount fluctuates with the market, but we have diversified between stocks and bonds as a way of protecting our investment from the vicissitudes of the market while optimizing our interest income.

Now, speaking as possibly the most mathematically challenged member of the congregation, (better perhaps than Iris and Charles of the 2 year old department), here’s the deal: we are spending into the principal of our investment fund. The way I think about it, it’s like eating the lettuce in your garden. If you take bits of it off, it will keep growing and replacing itself. If you take too much, it doesn’t grow as well and takes longer to replace what was lost. If you pull it out by the roots, no more lettuce. Same deal with this fund.

We have been withdrawing from the principal because we’ve had to. By faith, we’re believing that our congregational giving will continue to increase so that the practice can stop.

So far, year after year, our giving is growing. And significantly. 

Last year was the first time the Vestry and Treasurer conveyed the reality of our financial situation to the whole parish. This year, at Annual Meeting, our treasurer will again make this situation really clear. And she will use math!

As your Rector, I’m not losing any sleep over our situation. St. Paul’s is in God’s hands, and even if we were to lose all the money in our bequest, we would continue, by faith, to survive. However, it’s important that we all know our financial status, because we share the responsibility for our life together. 

Let’s continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us and grow us. All that we have and all that we are is a part of our life in Christ. With that clear commitment at our center, we will be well.


-- Pastor Rebecca