Treasures Annual Report 2010

The financial report of any organization for any period of time is a summary of the activities for which that organization was established, be it an activity to make a profit or a project dedicated to the attainment of a defined purpose. Ours is the mission statement printed in the Sunday bulletin.

The congregation of Holy Trinity and St. Benedict Parish is dedicated to serving God by seeking and serving Him in all persons. We serve the Risen Christ by actively sharing our spiritual gifts, material resources, and unique cultural witness with our community and the world. In our spiritual journey together, we gather as a group to draw strength and encouragement from the Diving Presence and from one another through worship, fellowship, and hospitality.

Success or failure in our endeavor can't be measured in charts or graphs. This activity has ups and downs and this is a common picture in the whole diocese. How do you think Holy Trinity & St. Benedict ended up in Alhambra?

We had a downturn last year in both attendance and giving. This is probably due to six years without stable spiritual leadership. While we have had a number of priests, they did not quite fit our needs. We have had disagreements about how we conduct parish business, and in our search for God, how we serve each other while engaged in that search. If we study Christian history, we will learn that disagreements have been a part of that history from the 12 tribes of Israel to the present when different groups of Christians have contradicting opinions on divorce, abortion, women in ordained ministry, same sex unions, etc.

In the financial projection for the coming year, we are quite hopeful. We expect to have our new rector and we hope all the scattered flock will come back to the fold when they hear the voice of their new Shepherd. We also refer to the earlier parish life of Holy Trinity and St. Benedict when the regular Sunday attendance was 150 and the communicants filled the altar rail for or five times. In the parochial reports of Bishop Zabala's years, it was mentioned that there was a potential for a 400 member parish and registered active members were 225. We will continue to manage finances with the same care as we have done when we were still a renting mission at St. Martha's West Covina. With God's continued blessing, we shall prevail.

Special note is made to the fact that financial audits for HTSB were recently completed by Simpson & Associates for 2007, 2008, and 2009.  The summary letter from Simpson & Associates stated:

Our examination was made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and accordingly included such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures, as we considered necessary in the circumstance.  ....   In our opinion, the Financial Statements present fairly the financial position of Holy Trinity and St Benedict Episcopal Church and the results of its operation for the year ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.   

If desired, please see the treasurer, undersigned, or any vestry member for a copy of 2010 year end financial statement or the 2011 budget forecast.

Submitted by
Max Batong
HTSB Treasurer