Dear Hot Metal Community, 

Last Sunday after worship, our Council and Finance Team gave a quarterly update on our finances, as promised in our fall All-Church Meeting. I can send the Power Point and notes to whoever may want to take a look, upon request.

The short story is this: We ended 2022 better than anticipated, had more big expenses hit in this first quarter of 2023 (a new dishwasher and water heater for the 3rd floor apartment, namely), and we've seen moderate increases in individual giving. THANK YOU to all who pledged to give an extra $5/week and those who didn't pledge it, but have made that a reality in their giving! We are mindful that expenses have been rough, but are hoping things even out as we continue in the year.

There are two "movements" we are asking all who call this community home to participate in, as we move forward:

1. Be mindful of your own giving. Have you made an increase this year? If not, could you consider being one that gives an extra $5/week? Did you get a bigger than anticipated return from Tax Day? Could you tithe on that? Every little bit helps!

2. Join in our fundraising efforts! We have THREE ways for you to engage:

   1. Our Fall Fundraiser this year is "Sanctuary Art + Honors," an art show highlighting LGBTQ+ artists and honoring partners who create safe spaces for all. We need help both on the steering committee and for the event itself in September! Contact Pastor Erin or Liam Taylor and Lisa Whitney to join us!

   2. Summer Kid's Bike-a-Thon! On Sunday, July 23rd at 5:30pm, we'll be hosting a Kid's Bike-a-Thon as a kick-off to our week of VBS for All Ages! Contact Joni Watson if you'd like to be a part of the planning team!

   3. Join our "Dreaming Task Force" - Do you have other ideas for fundraising? Do you have secret talents or passions that might be fun to explore further? Are you passionate about telling the story of Hot Metal in new and various ways? Contact Pastor Erin, Michael Van Ness or Liz Hoyt-Brown to join in a special task force to dream about how else we can share God's love and help people discover the gift of this community.

Money is never a fun thing to talk about, but I am grateful for this community where we can be vulnerable and transparent. I'm also grateful for the ways we have engaged the challenges ahead without anxiety, but as an invitation to to deeper discernment and dreaming about where God is and where God is calling. I hope you will join us in all that is to come!

In Christ, 

Pastor Erin