Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the second half of Esperanza’s Annual Meeting on May 22.
Beth Leaf, Vice President of Council, presided in Council President Chuck Yount’s absence and Pastor Annemarie recapped some of the major events and accomplishments in the past year and gave a preview of upcoming initiatives.
Outgoing Treasurer Michelle Tinsley reviewed the financial status of the congregation and the outlook for the remainder of the year. She highlighted the need for Esperanza to grow in size and or grow in giving.
In order for the Church to continue its mission, ministry and worship at the level we presently perform these functions, we must find that financial support. Some churches in similar situations have gone through visioning exercises and transform in response to major financial challenges. Still other churches merge with other congregations or scale back to a part-time pastor.
With Esperanza struggling financially to meet the annual budget based on current giving participation, Michelle highlighted a couple of giving strategies that could reduce the tax burden for donors and reminded everyone that Esperanza’s investment-portfolio broker changed late last year. Please contact the office for new broker details if you are planning to give stock in the future.
We voted on and welcomed three new council members: Julie Valenzuela, Paige Somero, and Kelly Edward. They were elected to replace outgoing members Doris Dorwart, Herb Penske, and Michelle Tinsley. Two council members, Craig Peck and Michael Paradise, finished their first two-year terms and were re-elected to second terms.
We thank Michelle, Doris and Herb for their years of service on council and for all of their devotion to Esperanza’s mission and ministries. We look forward to seeing Doris and Herb minister through the choir, as well as other ministries. We know Michelle will stay involved in the finance team and will lead a new communication outreach plan to the Ahwatukee and greater Phoenix area.
Let us all pray about Esperanza and its future of Hope Growing Here.
We must act now.