STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCES

Our congregation is led by the Vestry which encourages the generous giving of time, talent, and treasure. We have taken bold steps to modernize the tracking of talents and gifts that each member possesses, and are working to maximize their efficiency for the spreading of God's Kingdom. As we recognize these talents, the next pastor will be called on to educate and encourage each member to tithe and participate in continued growth within the parish. The total operational budgeted income in 2005 is $208,000 - off-set by budgeted expenses of $208,000.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The church is preparing to launch the next phase of its building fund capital campaign. The program is designed to complete the renovation of the auditorium, restrooms, and classroom areas; and construct new space to house the choir, altar guild, nursery, and ushers. In addition, the program includes renovating the parish house and sacristy areas. Also, the church has plans to fully landscape the property, reconfigure the parking area, and replace the perimeter chain link fence with an ornamental fence. A reserve fund will also be established to maintain the new structures.

THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE

Jacksonville, the gateway to Florida, is a vibrant, growing community, with over a million people in the metropolitan area. With a median age of only 36.2, Jacksonville is the "youngest" major city in Florida. Money Magazine has ranked Jacksonville as one of its "Top 10 Best Places to Live."
Located at the crossroads of two transcontinental highways, Jacksonville continues to make history as one of the nation's largest cities in land area (841 square miles). The city is the home of a major port, the financial center of the state, the site of Navy bases, the Mayo Clinic Medical Center, a Jacksonville Zoological Garden, several beautiful parks, beaches and numerous waterways.

Florida's First Coast offers many recreational events and cultural opportunities. The Ritz Theatre and Museum at LaVilla is located within blocks of St. Philip's. This museum houses the permanent James Weldon and John Rosemond Johnson autotronics exhibit and other museum quality African American memorabilia. Jacksonville is home to the Ritz Chamber Players, an African-American Chamber Music group that performs locally and before sold out audiences worldwide including Carnegie Hall.

Both players and spectators can enjoy almost any sport year-round. In the Jacksonville area you will find the World Golf Village, the Professional Golfers Association, and the PGA Hall of Fame. The Association of Tennis Professionals has also made the First Coast their home. Jacksonville has a minor league baseball team, the Jacksonville Suns, and is now home to the Lizard Kings, a professional hockey team. The city's largest sporting attraction is the Jacksonville Jaguars, the NFL's 30th expansion team that plays in a world-class stadium. The Alltel Stadium is located in a new downtown river view sports complex surrounded by the 10,000 seat Baseball Grounds and the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.
Jacksonville offers ample employment opportunities, has an attractive housing market, and a moderate climate. For more information visit www.myjaxchamber.com