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President's Message |
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So much has happened at Temple Beth El in the several months since I began my term of office as President! The wide range of activities and services we offer is so exciting. Record numbers of participants have attended Friday night services, Beth El University, our Scholar in Residence programs, our Religious School, Social Action projects and many many committee activities. “Hats off” to all that have decided to become involved, giving of your personal time and resources.
I am pleased to write that the Board has approved extensions of contracts with both Rabbi Bennett and Cantor Bernard for 3 and 4-years, respectively and that we continue to have a wonderful, hardworking and inspirational professional staff. It is gratifying to receive thank you notes from congregants who have appreciated a wide range of activities and life cycle events. These successes are not without significant costs, however, and we do have major challenges facing us in the near future. Not only are we a busy, thriving congregation, we want to do so much more. Our budget, passed by the Board in April for presentation at our May Annual meeting, was held to a fiscally responsible 6% increase from last year. Limiting the increase was a difficult challenge and represents the hard work of the Budget Committee, the Executive Committee and the Board. Our Building Fund is depleted and because of that the Board voted to assess each family a one-time fee to cover the costs of repairs that are immediately needed. Our Endowment Fund is growing, however, still needs the participation of most of our membership. When you receive your renewal packet in May, please review it and return it as soon as possible so that we can continue to manage our congregation’s budget responsibly. It will include a modest increase in financial commitment levels. Please be as generous as possible when determining your family’s commitment level to Temple Beth El. It will also include opportunities for additional giving that we hope you will carefully consider. We cannot accomplish all we plan to do without the continued and increasing generosity of each of us. Thank you in advance for your support. If you have any questions about our current plans or have other concerns, please feel free to call Arthur Kramer, or Rabbi Bennett at 704-366-1948 or me at 704-759-0012. I wish everyone a wonderful, healthy summer and look forward to the start-up of the Religious School in the fall. |
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