Economic news from All Saints parallels that of the national economy: Things look a little bit less bad this month than they did last month, but they are still pretty bad.

We began 2009 with a deficit budget in the amount of $23,608.  We planned to cover this with an operating fund surplus at 2008 year end of $38,250. Your vestry is putting in place plans which hopefully will result in some growth in income for year 2010. Nonetheless, the income-expense balance at the end of July was negative in the amount of $21,290.  If we continue at this rate for the rest of the year, we project a year end deficit of $36,497, effectively wiping out the operating fund surplus. 

This deficit projection is ~$10,000 less than it was last month, because the Diocese reversed its decision to withhold $10,000 in support funds which had been agreed upon three years ago. That money came in a lump sum in July, obviously skewing our income figures toward positive territory for the month. 

Prorated pledge income at the end of July was 96.6% of amount pledged, higher than the national average.  However, several large pledges were paid in full in January, and we can expect that percentage to sag as the year progresses. 

Plate receipts were only 41% of budget for July, paralleling a decline in attendance during the summer.  However, plate income year to date still is only 75% of budget.  Expenses were 108% of budget for July and 108% of budget for the year. 

There is nothing that stands out as an egregious over expense. Obviously, we must do our best to tighten our collective belt for the rest of the year. 

Your treasurer sincerely thanks those of you who are maintaining your pledge during these difficult times and hopes that our generosity will grow as we struggle to keep our financial head above water.

Father Tom Honderich, a member of our esteemed affiliated clergy, is a whiz at creating a German-style meal of bratwurst, sauerkraut, potato salad...you get the idea! 

He has offered his services to pull together a summer event and he needs help with organizing, cooking and serving—where can you help? Please help us with this new event which hopefully will become a long standing tradition.

A perfect Christmas gift! We have some great cooks at All Saints and it is time to create the third version of our Parish cookbook Loaves and Fishes & Other Dishes.  The last one was published 2002, so we have had years to experiment since then. If there is a tried-and-true recipe from previous editions, please submit that with an explanation of why it is so good or when you serve it. 

With new recipes, please include a small introduction so we understand why the recipe is important to you, how you found it, etc.- every dish has a story!  Please send your recipes to admin@allsaintsindy.org or put them in the basket at the back of the church.

We need a person to make sure that the children at All Saints' Sunday School are safe. This involves making sure every Sunday there is someone patrolling the Parish Hall while the children are in school. 

We've had many people drop in to ask for help or use the rest room during the Service and we need someone to take care of these things so the teachers can concentrate on the kids. 

The CAT survey took place during the first few weeks of June and we had a great response rate - 65 of you took the time to give us feedback on your experience at All Saints.  
 
Our consultant, Russ Crabtree, is presently analyzing the data and he will come to Indianapolis to meet with the Vestry on August 29th and present a full report. The information will be shared with the entire congregation in a variety of formats so stay tuned for those plans. 
 
The timing of the CAT couldn't have been better because we can use this information to help us articulate what our church is and what we are looking for as we go forward after Father Steve's recently announced retirement. Thank you so much for taking the time to give the Vestry your feedback.

Sock and underwear collections A bin is available and donations are given to Centered Around Christ, at Lockerbie United Methodist Church. Most recipients are homeless.  Men's boxer shorts are particularly needed.

AIDS Walk Plan to participate in the AIDS Walk with All Saints members on Saturday, October 10th. More information will be forthcoming.

Drivers needed
If there are any parishioners interested in providing rides on occasion, as a backup for the regular drivers, please notify Patricia Griffin at 317-638-1320, or patriciasgriffin@hotmail.com. 

Please share your ideas with Committee members:  Kent Inman, Morris Robey, Jane Billman, Tricia Clark, Jesse Clark, Cathy Scott, Joan Head, Lance Ratliff and Patricia Griffin.

Currently there are 16 devoted members of All Saints that serve in the lay ministry of reading or proclaiming the First Lesson during Mass on Sundays and special occasions. But because of relocation and transfers, our numbers are down from a norm of 20 or so.

If you are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Brantley Alexander after Mass or by email (brantleyalexander@earthlink.net) or by phone (919-2766). I will be happy to answer any questions about this ministry and its requirements.  

The process is straightforward, each lector is informed in advance about the date of her/his reading and is provided with the text of the reading and any additional information that will make the reading more meaningful. For the most part, the First Lesson is selected from an Old Testament book, but occasionally (for instance, during the Great Fifty Days of Easter), the First Lesson may be taken from the Acts of the Apostles. We look forward to having a larger group of parishioners who serve in this important ministry. If you have an interest in this ministry, let me hear from you.

The Julian Center will be able to use school and art supplies on an ongoing basis. Right now there are many Back-to-School specials, so it is a great time to stock up. The dollars will stretch much farther now than later in the school year.

The bin (once used for Africa supplies) will be back in church at the beginning of August. The Julian Center has clients year round, so they can use supplies now as well as later. When women and their children are uprooted, they don’t have time to gather all their personal belongings-including school supplies. Also, the Julian Center has an art therapy program that can use supplies.

Thanks to all the generous donors of bags of food and other items to the Damien Center. As of mid-July, All Saints has donated approximately 75 bags! The Damien Center is very grateful for all the donations, and so, of course are the clients. Keep bringing in those bags! Hopefully, the monthly suggestions have been helpful for shopping ideas. And remember, they even need your empty bags!

The Coby Palmer Fund (named after our own Coby Palmer) raised $2,200 as of early July to benefit the Damien Center food pantry. Donations are still welcome.

A bin for food pantry collections is available and suggested monthly donations are posted. For August: 4 roll package toilet tissue, tooth paste, tooth brush, deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, 1 package disposable razors. For September:  5 to 10 cans of soup, bags or box of soup, saltine or oyster crackers, apple sauce. You may package together suggested items or bring single items. Any and all items are appreciated.

Thanks to all the generous donors of bags of food and other items to the Damien Center. As of mid-July, All Saints has donated approximately 75 bags! The Damien Center is very grateful for all the donations, and so, of course are the clients. Keep bringing in those bags! Hopefully, the monthly suggestions have been helpful for shopping ideas. And remember, they even need your empty bags!

The Coby Palmer Fund (named after our own Coby Palmer) raised $2,200 as of early July to benefit the Damien Center food pantry. Donations are still welcome.

Dining Out for Life raised $42,000 this year. Thank you to all who “Dined Out” at participating restaurants, spread the word to others, or helped at the restaurants in April.

The AIDS Walk will be Saturday, October 10 this year. Mark the date on your calendar. It has been a few years since All Saints had a presence in the Walk, so it is time to get your walking shoes ready.

No, Cathy and Joan have not flown the coop! As part of Deacon Formation, Cathy is attending a different Episcopal church each Sunday to experience the hospitality and various worship styles.

We are also getting great ideas about various outreach/inreach opportunities that other parishes are doing. We have returned to All Saints this summer only to fulfill our responsibilities on the altar.

We miss everyone and will be back in September.

We hope everyone is having a happy and restful summer!