Late Sunday, December 27 President Trump signed the omnibus bill of $2.3 trillion passed by Congress just days before. Originally President Trump refused to sign the bill desiring more money to go to the American people; it appears that Congress is making attempts to pass additional legislation today (December 28, 2020) to meet the president’s demand on behalf of the American people.
Christmas time! A time of wonder, joy, and excitement. This time around Christmas is usually spent preparing for yummy feasts, exchanging thoughtful presents, and spending time with loved ones. But this year may look a little different; this year may feel like the wonder is lost, the joy has been taken, and the excitement is nowhere to be found. As the month of December continues, it almost feels like just another month to make it through. As we wrestle with how Christmas 2020 feels, we should stop and listen.
Heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday, we are now 90% of the way through 2020. Phew, what a year it has been! This year has notably included an added day, a global pandemic, social unrest, social distancing and quarantine, a Presidential election and so much more. With all that has happened it is easy to be overwhelmed, feel defeated and see individuals as the enemy.
But the word of God reminds us that regardless of what we are going through, we are called to be people of thanksgiving.
What comes to mind when you read the phrase, Fringe Benefits? For most, they immediately think of perks received for different jobs. No matter what your initial thought is, most employees are happy to receive Fringe Benefits from their job. Within the tax code the IRS gives room for many fringe benefits that employers seeking to care for their employees can take advantage of.
Starting out for a lofty peak, hiking through strenuous terrain, and trekking for days is difficult, that is, if you try and hike by yourself. If along your journey to the top though you had the help of a guide, the unknown road before you becomes much easier to navigate. A guide has been there before, they know the way to safely get to the top, they know nuances particular to the trail you are on, and they won’t let you get very far off trail before correcting your direction.
Deciding if it is time to outsource your bookkeeping responsibilities can be complex. Your church may have an administrative staff member who helps with the bookkeeping, but the church could be better served by freeing them to focus on ministry tasks rather than bookkeeping. Your church may be a new church plant that finds yourselves overwhelmed with ministry needs and would be better served by having an outside church bookkeeper take that task from your already overcrowded plate. Or your church may have an outstanding church bookkeeper who serves the church well, passionately serves with their gifts, and are an invaluable member of the ministry team.
