WFMCC
BREAKING THE BARRIER IN NEW WAYS...

 

Greetings from your WFMCC Board of Trustees!

 

We have important news to share with you regarding our "Break the Barrier" Fund and church finances. 

 

In case you are not aware, the "Break the Barrier" Fund was begun in 2006 as a two-year campaign to raise enough money to fund a full-time salary for a Director of Music.  The campaign was still in effect as of January 2013, and money at a rate of approximately $150/month was being saved.  However, at this rate of growth (and with necessary expenditures to help support the payment of our part-time Director of Music salary), we were not situated to reach our goal. 

 

At our congregational meeting in 2014, we affirmed the use of "Break the Barrier" funds to provide the whole of our part-time Director of Music salary.  This was decided based on the anticipated year-end-2014 giving rate, and the depletion of our general savings funds. 

 

As is our purview as your representatives of our church's fiscal health, we have decided that it is in our church's best interest to dissolve the "Break the Barrier" Fund, and move all existing money to the church's General Fund.  Two of the reasons this decision has been reached:

  1. Pledges for the April - December 2014 Budget were $14,000 short of our minimum anticipated expenses.
  2. Giving through the summer, while still over budget by $900 (thanks to fundraiser income), has taken a severe decline, placing our ability to meet monthly expenses in jeopardy.

Note: our church has not yet met all of the annual contract agreement for salary and benefits for our Pastor since our January 2012 hire date.  We are now 2.5 years behind in some benefits, totaling more than $8,000.

 

This decision was made after consult with the existing Director of Music, with the understanding that we will continue to honor that contract of employment for as long as possible.  Also, this week, the Board of Trustees is meeting with Pastor Mel Martinez to re-negotiate and lessen our pastoral contract requirements.

 

Because the "Break the Barrier" funds were taken in as part of a campaign and were designated for a specific purpose, the IRS requires that we, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, offer all those with provable and recorded donations into the fund the opportunity to withdraw the money given.  Requests for refund must be made in writing.  "Provable and recorded donations" are considered to be those that:

  1. Can be identified in the church books as from a specific person or 
    person(s),
  2. Can be identified by check copy or electronic receipt copy of the gift in question as noted for "Break the Barrier", "BTB", or other note designating the gift for the salary of the WFMCC Director of Music.

Some funds have already been used from the "Break the Barrier" fund for the payment of the Director of Music salary.  The percentage paid out for this salary will be deducted from the overall gift claimed, and a refund for the remaining amount will be made immediately.  Refunded amounts and payee names will NOT be released publicly.

 

Remaining funds in the "Break the Barrier" Fund will be transferred to the General Operating fund of WFMCC on or about October 15, 2014.

 

It is with great appreciation for all those who contributed to this fund and made possible the continuation of our ministry.  We will continue to break the barrier that separates our understanding of an inclusive gospel and those who most need God's presence in their lives.  We are indeed breaking down barriers...and we look forward to your continued assistance in making ministry possible.

 

With love,

WFMCC Board of Trustees 


Wichita Falls MCC
940-322-4100

Wichita Falls MCC is an exuberantly inclusive, loving, and serving community of faith offering God's promise, Christ's salvation, and the Holy Spirit's comfort to all. Our mission to accomplish this vision of our church is to: Gather in compassionate kinship with acceptance of all, Encourage awakenings within the diverse paths of following Christ, and Celebrate a common faith in a loving God, endless hope in the face of suffering and doubt, and the many gifts of the Spirit present in the Body of Christ.

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