Dear Greenbelt Family,

Thanks to everyone who attended Greenbelt's Business Meeting last Sunday, November 4.

It is encouraging to see all that God is doing, and I thought the update on the planned merge with the Jesus Light of the World Arabic congregation was particularly exciting.

I wanted to provide a quick summary of the financial items:

-  As of the end of September, Greenbelt had a deficit of $33,144. While that number can be daunting, as one of our new Deacons shared, when it's broken down into bite-sized pieces, it becomes a little less scary. 

Please consider if you can contribute $400 above your normal giving level between now and the end of December. If we each do this, we should end the year in a strong financial position. 

We understand that not everyone will be able to do this, so please don't feel compelled to do so. A number of members indicated that having a target to work toward was helpful, so we agreed at the meeting to provide one.

Our family will be making an extra contribution, and I hope that you will consider giving whatever amount you can do.

If you wish to donate online, you can do that by clicking here.

If we receive strong enough support, it may even help reduce the amount of money required to borrow to repair our roof. Which leads me to the next point...

- The congregation voted in favour of refinancing our current debt, and borrowing up to $175,000 additional dollars to replace our roof, which urgently requires repairs to stop leaks into our upstairs tenant and church spaces.

The restructuring of our debt will stretch the repayment out over more years, but will help reduce stress on the church budget by requiring smaller monthly payments. Please pray that arrangements come together to allow us to restructure this debt.

- Finally, I want to welcome Karen Chow and Ryan Lawrence as the newest members of our Deacons Team. Karen has been serving for months in an unofficial capacity, so it's great to have her affirmed by the congregation in the role!

As I am reaching the end of my three-year term, and my work commitments are making it very difficult to effectively serve in the role of Chair of the Deacons Team, I am pleased to confirm that Ryan will be taking over my role as Chair, effective immediately.

It's wonderful to have the fresh perspectives and energy that these new members bring to the Board. Thanks to Ryan and Karen for their hearts to serve!

I will continue to serve as a member of the Deacons board until at least the February 2019 church AGM.

If you have any questions, please let me know, and someone will be in touch with you asap.

Sincerely,
Steve Outhouse
Outgoing Chair, Greenbelt Deacons Board