Church Council and others continue to work to see that in-person worship is safer for everyone. There are new requirements from the Provincial Health Officer as of Tuesday, November 30. 2021 for “worship services.” Our current practises for in-person worship meet all of these requirements. Changes in the pandemic continue to raise concerns for health and safety, and we will adjust our plans as health orders change. 
 
Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best protection for the health of yourself and others. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to receive both doses of the vaccine.
 
We will continue to livestream worship each Sunday.  
 
December 5, Second Sunday of Advent
Everyone planning to come to worship and Sunday School are asked to follow these requirements:

• If you are not feeling well and experiencing any Covid-19 related symptoms or if you are not vaccinated, please stay home and participate in worship online.  
• Wear a mask when entering the building and throughout worship and Sunday School.  (This is required of everyone age 12 and older. Children under 12 are encouraged to wear a mask.)
• Observe social distancing.
• Sanitize or wash hands as needed.
• You are welcome to sing, but masks must be worn.
• We will greet one another and share the peace at a distance.
• Holy Communion will be served with bread and individual glasses of wine that are spaced in the trays. You may commune with bread or wine alone if you wish.
• You are invited to greet and talk with others after worship with masks on. If refreshments are served in the Upper Hall, you may remove your mask when seated at a table for eating and drinking.   

2021 Financial Update from Church Council

Hello members and friends.  

This week Council is sending a letter to members to review the many accomplishments and challenges of the year. Here are the highlights:  
 
This year we give thanks for many accomplishments for which we are thankful:
 
Continued ministry! – We have continued to provide opportunities such as meaningful worship, pastoral support for members, Christian education, outreach programs, social justice and truth and reconciliation activities.
Renewal in worship! – We have been able to return to in-person worship and Sunday school.  Live streaming continues to include members and guests from afar.
The music! – The choir, musicians and new artist-in-residence are sounding great under the direction of our new Kantor, Nathan McDonald. 
The mortgage! – Thanks to special donations by members, we have made extra mortgage payments again this year.  We have paid off about 70% of the original $1.3 million mortgage.  A remarkable achievement!
The Kitchen! – Shelbourne Community Kitchen now rents a significant portion of the lower level of the building, having completed (with their own funds) many renovations to their space, and re-opened to assist those with food insecurity in our wider community. 
Other Improvements! – We used a portion of our memorial funds to perform much needed facility updates to the building inside and out.  This will improve safety, security, and a healthy rental income from its ongoing and increased use.
 
For our Church, while we have experienced many blessings worthy of celebration, the past year has been financially challenging.  We believe this is a good time to give you a financial update. 
 
As of the end of October, our total operating costs were about $38,000 more than the revenue we received.  While we often are in deficit at this point in the year and offerings in November look very positive, this is a larger deficit than usual.  We have analyzed the revenue and expenses to understand how this year is different.  Our expenses overall have been consistent; despite the generous support of members, in what is clearly a trying time for all, our donations have been lower than expected. 
 
In most years, we experience a rush of donations, from members and friends alike, during Advent and Christmas, which brings us back into financial balance.  It seems that many people take the opportunity at year’s end to give thanks for blessings received and recognize the needs of our Church and the wider community it serves.  Will that happen again (and even more) in this “extraordinary” year?  We don’t know.  If not, we will end the year in a deficit position.
While the current deficit is of concern and has the full attention of Council, there are many positive signs that we are thankful for and give us reason for optimism, for our future life and work together including our financial health.
 
Please think about pledging as well as the other ways in which you can participate in the life of our Church and help us meet the future together.  Pledge cards for 2022 have been distributed to all members and many have already responded thoughtfully and generously.  If you have any questions (at all) about pledging or anything in this update, please ask any Council member.
 
If you made a pledge in 2021 and would like to know how your giving is tracking against your pledge so far this year, please contact Barry Walker.
 
Heartfelt thanks to all who support the many ministries of Lutheran Church of the Cross.
 
Church Council
Lutheran Church of the Cross