Crescent Parishes’ Unified Financial Report

Marriage preparation can be challenging. One of the roles of preparation is to help couples be united in every way. This means that one of the goals of preparation is to help the couple talk about things they haven’t yet discussed. The FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication Understanding and Study) is designed to help couples recognize tough topics they may have avoided and open the way for greater unity. What topics might need to be discussed? Statistically, the number one topic of tension for engaged and married couples is finances! Specifically, couples need to talk about and work toward greater unity regarding spending or saving, the amount of savings or debt that each brings to the marriage, and what will be future approaches to savings and spending. This is also true for parish families.

Crescent Parishes Courting Each Other
As Crescent Parishes prepare to become one in the next four years, now is a time, if you will, when we are courting each other. For example, the wonderful members of the PPT (Pathways Planning Team) are helping us spend time with each other through shared events. We are geƫng to know each other better through a combined bulletin. Of course, finances are one of the important “sharings” that will happen, our parishes’ offertory giving, spending, debt and savings. Stealing a good idea from another parish family already publishing financial information and other data regarding Sunday attendance and church capacities, Crescent Parishes will be taking those steps in this second year of our preparation for our union. Next weekend begins the first of our three consecutive Stewardship Weeks. Allowing the Sunday Scriptures to assign which weekend is Time, Talent or Treasure, we will begin with the Stewardship of Treasure on September 23 and 24.

Thanks to Good Stewards!
Thanks to parishioners for positively and actively entering into stewardship weeks. We can only be more joyful and better followers of Jesus as we recognize the many reasons we have to be thankful and then consciously consider ways we can offer concrete signs of gratitude through making a return to the Lord of our time, talent and treasure.

Sandy Schleibaum Retired Fully
Holy Trinity Parishioners and readers of the bulletin will recall that beloved administrative assistant Sandy Schleibaum retired weeks ago and yet, was still going to work two days a week. Sandy has now retired fully and will no longer be a leader amongst Crescent Parishes. That is a distinct loss and disappointment to us…and yet, it was what was best for Sandy to do. Her note to staff about her full retirement included the words: It was an extremely hard to decision to make. I realized I liked the days off and wanted to spend more time with my husband, Bob. I truly loved my job and the parishioners I worked for in the Crescent Parishes family, and working with the Crescent Family staff. I will miss you! I know you will all do wonderful things for the Crescent Parishes family! Thanks, Sandy for your kind words and I don’t know of a person around who isn’t most grateful and joyful for you, even as we are sad to see you fully retire.

South Office Closed through September 26
Many Crescent Parishioners know that a group of parishioners from the Church of the Resurrection is on a mission trip/pilgrimage to Ghana. Amongst them is Sabrina Burton-Simonson, one of our admins who shares time at the south and central offices. With Sandy no longer present twice a week, and until Sabrina returns, Crescent South office will be closed, through September 26. I regret any inconvenience this may cause. Parishioners can leave messages on the south office voicemail or better yet, call another Crescent Parish Office for assistance.

TMIY…It’s Not too Late
It is not too late for men of our parishes to be courageous and jump both feet into That Man Is You! I promise that such a commitment to Jesus will be richly rewarded, blessings that will overflow in abundance to family, friends, Church and community!

New and Improved…Already!!
Most times, when new products or endeavors are rolled out, it might take several years before the “new and improved” makes a debut. Impressively, Crescent Parishes’ Director of Communications, Ginny Hans, is rolling out a new and improved bulletin, far in advance of what might be expected. Taking feedback offered from parishioners and working toward even more unity in our parishes, I was excited to see the new prototype! Great job Ginny!!

Festival Tour Complete
With St. Saviour’s Festival last weekend, we are at the conclusion of the Crescent Parishes’ Festival Tour!! Thanks to those who led our festival committees and to all who offered their time, talent and treasure as volunteers or attendees. Special thanks to parishioners who made it a point to support other Crescent Parishes by traveling the short road among the parishes!

Sincerely and with Love in Christ,
Fr. Pat