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| | | Forum Guru
 
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Last Login: 9/15/2008 7:16:47 PM
Posts: 70, Visits: 243 |
| | I have a budget of $1200 for the entire year of children's ministry. That includes Sunday School, Special Events, and VBS ( including ALL curriculuum). I try to save a goodly portion of my budget for VBS about $700. I do out of pocket on a weekly basis for most children's ministry snacks, craft supplies, decorations, prizes, etc. When it comes to VBS, I just have to make it special for the kids... so I try to spread out little purchases over the year - so my hubby doesn't have a heart attack LOL ! I'm pretty sure AR cost me close to $500 out of pocket... i also have the added stress of a pastor's wife who likes to say "and how much did THAT cost?" ( is it ok to "fib" by times?... now i've just gotten used to saying... "nothing... it was donated") oh the joys! - monica |
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Forum Expert
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Last Login: 5/18/2008 1:36:50 AM
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| | Marshall, Coming from an accounting world (well actually the very edge of the business world) I know there is such a thing as a Blanket Purchase Order. It is used for expenses that are variable such as VBS supplies. It is given a limit and everything purchased goes toward that purchase order. The challenge with VBS is that usually more than one person is purchasing items. You would need to allow one person to be in charge of the order and give you a limit, "Marshall, you are allowed to charge up to $50.00, let me know when you need more." Another person can also be able to charge up to $50.00. You are taking the limit and dividing it up amongst the purchasers. The person in charge can just authorize a part of the purchase order at a time. That way there is control and purchasers can still spend wisely as sales pop up or you are in another town perhaps on vacation and see that perfect item. Monica, "How much did THAT cost?" If you weren't the one purchasing then "I have no clue, but isn't it GREAT? It will be such an AWESOME addition to VBS. So and So did has such WONDERFUL ideas. I can't wait until I see what he/she comes up with next." If it was your purchase, "I don't remember. I was soooo excited when I found it. It will be just PERFECT for VBS. The kids are going to LOVE it." The best part for me is that I truly do have a bad memory and would not remember the cost of something I bought 5 minutes ago. Just try to redirect the focus on the purpose of the item. It shouldn't matter what it cost, you know what you can and can not spend. If you act excited, it sometimes catches them off guard and they don't know how to pop that bubble at that moment. If you react positively evey time, people will sometimes give up on trying to bring negativity to your world. God Bless each of you who are giving from your heart to make VBS a special time for the children.
- Adrianne
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Forum Expert
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/7/2008 8:26:59 AM
Posts: 552, Visits: 1,569 |
| Adrianne - I tried that. Our Chairman of the Deacons doesn't like the idea of a blanket PO. and he basicaally runs the church finance-wise.
Check out VBS Groupies for resources to help with the planning of your VBS. |
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| | | Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/30/2008 9:47:41 PM
Posts: 13, Visits: 122 |
| I have to admit... I've directed the past two VBS's and both came from my own pocket, about $2,000 each, resulting in a total of around $4,000... This is because the church really does not have much money. And although they say that VBS is in the budget I am always led to feel guilty, as if I am putting an extra burden on the church by doing such a big event... so I pay for it myself. It's terribly unwise of me, but I'm hoping I can fix this bad habit this year!!
He must become more; I must become less.
-John 3:30- |
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| | | Forum Expert
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Last Login: 9/30/2008 9:09:34 AM
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| At LEAST a couple of hundred here and that is just for VBS. Throughout the year, I pick up attendance prizes, b-day gifts (for each child in SS), glue, crayons, snacks/juice (which we have each week in SS), etc. I have several DEAR volunteers who do the same. Kimberly
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| | | Forum Expert
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Last Login: 9/19/2008 1:47:47 PM
Posts: 124, Visits: 327 |
| | So that's why everybody is just shopping all year round for great finds. And I am just wondering if the church is approving all expenses even if VBS is still so far. I am inclined to do that also. This is my first year. Maybe when I get hooked with VBS I will be with small items. But really, I am believing God that I will not come to that point where I need to put a chunk bec the church doesn't have money. Nice
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| | | Forum Expert
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Last Login: 9/30/2008 7:59:31 PM
Posts: 667, Visits: 1,320 |
| I do shop all year, last august I saw something that fit the theme and really liked so I bought it. I have a place where I save all receipts for VBS. The church pays for the kit, and all the main things(books, budies, sign, snacks,crafts etc) My donations usally are for staff gifts and decorations. I keep the receipts and turn in to our financial secretary and these go on as a non cash donation to my offering statement which helps at tax time.
If I know that I will use a decoration again or prop then I deduct that amount from a receipt that I turn in. My grandson's school has spirit day twice a month, usually you learn the theme two days before. Well I have a closet that is filled with props and costumes. I am proud to say he has won a lot, he will be in the 8th grade year book this year as most spirited.
Riverside Kathy |
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