Malcolm Potts October 8th 2015 ~ Vision 15

I came home to this wisely conceived initiative of your prayerful, hard working Parish Council.  They write:

Following the success of Vision 52 in 2013 and Vision 14 last year, the St Philips community has attempted covering our costs of operation through normal weekly giving without a special, targeted program. The consequence of that attempt is that we now have a shortfall between income and recurrent expenditure. We, your Parish Council, have, therefore, decided to recommence the Vision program for the remainder of 2015 - “Vision 15”.

The Vision 15 program seeks members to pledge $1,000 to St Philips to be paid during a nominated time in the next six months.

This pledged amount is additional to our normal weekly giving and payments can be made by electronic transfer, cheque or cash.

Unlike previous programs, the funds raised will be used specifically to support our ministry team, which is crucial to maintaining our vibrant church’s current range of activities.

We have a lot to celebrate financially.  We set AND made a very ambitious 2014/15 budget. I'm reasonably sure none of us went without for that to happen. This year’s budget was actually marginally less than last year’s.   I am delighted to share with one group who have made raising money for Vision 15 a highlight of their meeting together. When they meet for coffee, they throw in what is in their pocket and put the above-and-beyond-the-bill towards V15.  To date they have raised over $1,500 painlessly!Joyful giving, whatever it is to, is. . . Well, a joy!  And a privilege.  My mum is busily giving away my inheritance.  She declares regularly, "I have never missed what I have given away."  An old saintly friend of mine used to challenge me,  "You'll never out-give God, Boy!"  Ed's life was a testimony to a God who had always turned up.Someone said to me about Vision 15, "We can't keep doing this you know."  "Why not?" I said.  People who want to give and be a part of the blessing will do so, others won't, that's fine.Someone else said, “We're talking about money too much!"  Really?  In the gospels, Jesus talks about money, wealth, greed, poverty, one in every four verses.  We don't preach on money one week in four.  On reflection, that might be a way to get crucified… hmmm?Thanks to the people who have jumped right on board with Vision 15.  It is so encouraging when our needs are met by generous hearts.  One week in and we are pushing $10,000 of instalments. That is a testimony in itself.Good to be home.Blessings on you,Malcolm