|
20 May 2014 God-morning, All, I trust that each one is enjoying blessed fellowship with the Father and with His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ on this beautiful Spring day. The thoughts I am putting forth in this correspondence are totally my own; I have discussed them with no one. These are suggestions that I have that the new fellowship might want to consider for moving forward, they are both spiritual and practical. A. After one of the early meetings, Mark suggested that the new fellowship needs elders or some kind of leadership team. Why not get started on that process immediately at the next meeting. B. I have heard that it takes a considerable length of time for incorporation and a tax number. If the new fellowship wishes to handle money for tax exemptions and/or hold property, why not get working on that also. C. Financial a. Starting June 1, 2014, the Sunday morning offering could be put at the disposal of the new fellowship for its charitable purposes. The money could be put through the existing system or handled in some other way deemed acceptable to the fellowship. If the money is put through the existing system, then tax receipts can still be issued, but the disbursing of the money will be under the direction of the new fellowship for its charitable purposes. b. The money in the general account (money not already designated for insurance, building up-keep, etc.) can be split 50/50. The existing society will need finances to maintain its commitment to the facility, insurance, utilities, etc. The other 50% can be distributed under the direction of the new fellowship, along with the Sunday offerings. c. Rick and Mark are currently receiving remuneration. My suggestion is that they continue to be supported at the same consideration until August 31, 2014. By that time Mark and Rick will probably have some clarity as to how much they are willing to be available to the new fellowship and/or to what degree the new fellowship would require/desire their services. If these decisions were made sooner, then, of course, the financial arrangements could be changed accordingly. If this financial decision is made to continue to support them in the existing manner until the end of August, it might be appropriate for the new fellowship to make a contribution to their support from its financial resources. Regardless of what is decided, may we all continue to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Martin |