From the Finance Committee - January 2000

Welcome to the secular millennium! Of course, to some we are a year ahead of ourselves. No matter … a new year is always a time for celebration. And a dose of introspection. During 1999, your Finance Committee took several steps to improve the financial health and quality of life at our congregation. To name a few:

• A new temple management software was purchased and installed, which is contributing to a number of administrative efficiencies.
• At the same time, we installed and implemented a new accounting software package. The periodic financial reports that are being generated from this new system are making it much easier to monitor income and outflow, and ensure the continued financial stability of our temple.
• A Fundraising Brainstorming subcommittee was established to come up with a recommendation for a major, annual fundraiser. Out of this has already come a better organized Golf Committee for May's outing, and a Night at the Symphony fundraising program and dinner which is scheduled for April.
• Our annual Kol Nidre Appeal succeeded in bringing in contributions that will be used to improve Jewish education for congregants of all ages.
• Thank you events were held for Pillar and Guardian Circle members.
• A new, long term dues agreement was negotiated with the UAHC. This will greatly assist us in budgeting more accurately for the next several years.
• The Budget Subcommittee is in the process of creating a five year plan which will help to prioritize the future funding needs of Congregation Albert.
• This column was utilized to discuss the importance of paying our Fair Share, where our dues dollars go, the necessity for fundraising, and other financially related topics in a, hopefully, humanistic manner.

When all is said and done, these and other efforts of the committee are really about improving the quality of life at Congregation Albert. Your dues and contributions are a means to an end. Focusing on the financial well being of our temple allows us - as a congregation - to help those in need, with scholarships, to attend our religious school, or participate in our adult education program. It also helps to underwrite temple membership for those who are unable to pay the actual cost of membership; and, ensures that building upkeep, landscaping and security needs are budgeted appropriately.

The financial life of Congregation Albert has improved during the past year because we are a congregation made up of people who care about one another. There is an inviting warmth and openness that is obvious to anyone who enters our sanctuary or social hall. We are a congregational family. And, like any other family, we "rally round" each other for the good of the family. Thank you for doing your part to improve the financial well being of our temple.

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