1. Toward INDEPENDENT IN 3 Parish Situation Overview and A Plan to Secure the Future of our Parish
Developed and implemented at Saint Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church
Minneapolis, Minnesota
© 2007 StMarysFuture.org 1

2. Upcoming Maintenance & Improvements
Mechanical Equipment
Heating
Air Conditioning
Air Handling Units
Controls
Roofing Systems
Landscaping
Facility Improvements
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3. Funding Maintenance/Improvements
Use capital campaign drives to fund, OR…
Use the real estate income currently going to the operating expenses to fund the deferred maintenance and improvements
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4. As capital campaigns are difficult & time consuming the Decision was made to use the real estate income to fund the deferred maintenance and improvements
Parishioner Contributions
Current Operating Expenses 
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5. This Strategy Has Added Benefits
Ensures St. Mary’s future
St. Mary’s will be financially independent.
So no matter
how well or poorly future generations manage; or
market conditions negatively affect these real estate assets, St. Mary’s continues.
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6. St. Mary’s Stewardship Goal
Become financially independent by the 2009 calendar year (3 years)
Need to increase contributions by $220,000
Independent in 3
© 2007 StMarysFuture.org 6

7. 3 Ways to Reach Financial Independence
Reduce Expenses and/or Programs
Increase Contributions or
Reduce Expenses and Increase Contributions
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8. 2007 Budgeted Expenses per Contributing Unit
An Equal Share is $30 per Week
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9. Over 90% of Our Costs Are Fixed
Less than 10% of our costs are discretionary
getting rid of them does not have any meaningful savings and
dramatically impacts our reason for being therefore not an option
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10. Managing Expenses
The Parish Council has completed an extensive review of our expenses
They have identified where they can save money and not impact on services
They are in the process of implementing those savings the hardest of which was
The outsourcing of maintenance
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11. Increasing Contributions
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12. What Did The Committee Consider?
Divide it Up Equally?
Committee could ask all parishioners to contribute an equal share ($30 per week)
Committee thought that was not fair as not all parishioners have the same means
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13. Fair Share
Committee decided a more fair way was to use a percentage of income
The more financial means you have
The larger your suggested contribution
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14. If All Parishioners Meet or Exceed Their Fair Share We Reach Our Goal
Fair Share Guidelines
If All Parishioners Meet or Exceed Their Fair Share We Reach Our Goal
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15. 100% Met or Exceeded Fair Share
Leadership
We put our current leadership to the test
Asked them to fill out the Fair Share form
Father Paul
Parish Council
Stewardship Committee
100% Met or Exceeded Fair Share
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16. What’s Next?
The Future of St. Mary’s
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17. Visit With Parishioners
Parish Council and Stewardship Committee members will meet with parishioners
Gather their suggestions, feedback and advice
Explain St. Mary’s situation and goal
Ask to fill out their Fair Share
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18. Leaders Wanted
In order to meet with 500+ parishioners we need leaders to join the Stewardship Committee to make it possible
Please see
Any Parish Council Member or
Any Stewardship Committee Member or
us at
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19. Time and Talent
On the table you will find St. Mary’s time and talent form
Please fill this form and turn in today or mail back to church office
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