Dana Lange  -  Chair

Mary Pickard - Clerk

Staff: 

Barbara Fletcher - WPC Treasurer

Chris Tuttle  -  Head of Staff

C.V. Conner – Property Management

Gary Lehew   – Diaconate Liaison

Beth Eagen – Finance

Jan McCallum – Stewardship

Scotti Harwood – Endowment

Dorene Palermo –Technology 

At Large  members:  

John Graham

Judd Staples

Ways and Means Commission 

Ways and Means is the oversight committee for the ongoing financial health of the congregation. It is comprised of a moderator who also serves as session liaison and of individuals who represent the myriad areas of our church, including the head of staff and the church treasurer.  In coordination with its own finance committee, the annual stewardship campaign, the diaconate, the personnel committee, property and grounds and other representatives, Ways and Means is responsible for preparing and administering the annual budget for approval by the Session. The Ways and Means Commission reports directly to the Session.

For 2009, Ways and Means had what we consider to be a blessedly uneventful year.  Barbara Fletcher continues to manage the property and monies in a conservative and thoughtful way.  We had to replace all of the electrical panels in the Holderness Mission Center, a very large and unplanned expense.  We were able to pay for it out of operating budget without dipping into our contingency fund. Payment of pledges was strong and we ended the year with excess in the operating budget of just over $11,000.

Benevolence giving was stronger than ever, even in a shaky economic climate.  Not only did we give away $219,409 in budgeted benevolences, but also raised $163,957 for charity.  The highlight of our additional giving was the ESP campaign that raised $55,575 to help our local charities.  For a church with a budget just over a million dollars we should be proud that we gave away over $383,000 to charity.

We have added a Green Committee to Ways and Means this year.  It is just in its infancy, but we are looking to improve our stewardship of the earth's resources in the running of the church.

Budgeting for 2010 was the easiest it has been in the last ten years.  The Finance committee asked staff and committee heads to submit realistic budget requests rather than wish budgets.  When all the requests were totaled the budget came up to $1,013,939 and no cuts were necessary.   

After no cost of living increases last year, we are happy to report that the Staff will receive a 2% increase in 2010.  Stewardship is becoming a year round activity, with a strong and faithful committee.

The large inquirers class in January of 2010 speaks well to the health of Westminster.  We are thankful for the loyal and generous congregation.  Ways and Means will try to carry on using God’s gifts to his glory.