 January/February 2001 (XXXIX 1) |
PYM's Meeting for Worship and Financial Stewardship (the budget conference) was held in November. Forty-eight Friends from 31 Monthly Meetings in 11 Quarters gathered to learn about the status of the proposed PYM budget for 2001-2002, to hear the financial covenants reported by the Quarters, and to offer advice to the Financial Stewardship Committee.
Prior to this gathering, PYM's five Standing Committees had been diligently seeking ways to reduce their budgets.
What a joy it is to report that, because of the support for the Yearly Meeting shown by our Monthly Meetings’ covenants, the budget for the 2001-2002 fiscal year is now balanced. We don't have to cut back on library services and we can continue to improve PYM's Internet capabilities, to mention just two of the items that were at risk prior to the totaling of the covenants.
During the second half of the meeting, Friends expressed their concerns on financial stewardship in general, and on the PYM budget in particular. There was a wide spectrum of views; however, certain themes were evident:
- Friends want PYM to continue to carefully control its budget.
- Monthly Meetings want to receive budget information in a variety of formats, so Friends may select the one that best meets their need. We don't all have the same background in financial matters.
- Friends who are aware of how important PYM is to the Monthly Meetings, and vice versa, need to share their insights with their Monthly Meetings. As one Friend said, "It's not us and them. Us IS them."
- Friends want to pursue the subject of financial stewardship beyond talking about a specific budget. What do we believe about money? And how do we grapple, as a people of faith, with this issue?
The Financial Stewardship Committee deeply appreciates the efforts of everyone who is contributing to the improvement of the process that culminates in a budget presented to Yearly Meeting (this year on March 24). On behalf of the programs of PYM, we thank the Monthly Meetings for their support.
Jacqueline D. Bowers
Falls Meeting (PA)
Clerk of Financial Stewardship Committee
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM