First  meeting: ‘ Financial  Dialogue’

On 8 May we had the first of three meetings to rethink the current situation of the Community, in particular in regard to the financial situation.  Participants were Lucy Crawford, Sven Zehle, Martin Samson, Kerstin Andersson and Gunther Andersson.

The starting point of the meeting was the current position of the Australian Council.  The current financial situation is not viable beyond the end of 2012.  The aim is to maintain 4 priests in 4 communities and to reduce the deficit by using the current assets (assets in properties and cash) and the income more efficiently; and – if possible – to increase the income.  Each community is asked to make a contribution.  The question for Adelaide is: can we increase the payment we make to the region (last year we paid $14,000 instead of about $40,000 expected to be paid) or can we reduce what the region pays to Adelaide, e.g. reduce what is paid for the priest’s accommodation.  The asset we have in Adelaide is our property with the church which is debt-free.  However, due to the construction and internal design of the building, the usage of the interior is limited and it is also hard to rent out rooms.  Renting out rooms should be possible in general as the building is not used all week.

The questions discussed were:
1. Is everyone in the community aware and clear about the situation?
2. Can we rebuild the interior in a way that the building meets better the needs?  As an example, can we reduce the size of the chapel and make space for additional rooms, which could be used by the Community but could also be rented out?  Could we make space in the building for an accommodation for the priest?
3. Should we move into another building (sell the current and buy or built another building) where the new building suits more our needs, thus provides space for additional community rooms and accommodation for the priest?
4. Is there a way to change the building situation without incurring debt as the Community has not sufficient income to pay back a loan?
5. Might it be possible to form with other groups and initiatives in the Adelaide region a larger centre with mutual benefit for each group and initiative?  If so, which groups and initiatives might be interested and where might be a good location?  Such a centre might create more outreach and public interest through which everyone would benefit.

Thoughts, comments and suggestions from everyone are very welcome as well as other people joining the dialog at the next meetings on Sunday 19th of June and Sunday 7th of August (each meeting 11.45 am -12.45 pm).  Please contact Gunther Andersson; phone 83916143 or e-mail gunther.and@gmail.com.

For the group                        Gunther Andersson

AGM Information Sheet

Sunday 10th April 11.45

Download a copy of all the information on this page: HERE

In the information document you will find a comparison between last year’s (2010) actual figures and the 2010 budget, and this year’s (2011) budget.  This is a consolidated report, but if you have any inquiries please do not hesitate to contact the treasurer for in depth information.

The life and work of The Christian Community depends completely upon free and regular support from its members and friends.

Contributions and gifts may be forwarded to
 
The Treasurer
The Christian Community in Australia, Adelaide Inc
P.O. Box 216
Bridgewater SA 5155

BANK ACCOUNTS
Adelaide Bank (Mt Barker)               Bank SA (Mt Barker)
           BSB: 610-101                                 BSB: 105-025
     Acc No: 070229523                         Acc No: 048097140

Westpac (Mt Barker)                          Commonwealth Bank (Stirling)
      BSB: 035-094                                              BSB: 065-144
   Acc No: 12-8020                                         Acc No: 10088752

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