February 5, 2015
With Deep Gratitude
Dear Sangha friends,
For most of last year Springs Mountain Sangha struggled to meet its budget. Because we had put aside a modest reserve, we were able to pay our teachers and meet our other financial obligations in a timely way, but our income ran consistently behind our expenses. At the All-Sangha meeting in November, we agreed to make provisional cuts totaling over $2,000 in the 2015 budget This was a difficult decision, since the effect of the cuts would be felt mainly by our teachers.
Our treasurer, in an end-of-the-year letter which you received, made a special appeal for your support. You responded with exceptional generosity. As a result, we not only met but slightly exceeded our goal for the year!
I am writing to thank you and tell you that we are restoring in full the cuts made to this year’s budget. Since the cuts mainly effected our teachers, it means we will be able to support their work at the same level as in recent years. Of course, we’d like to do more, but we are happy not have to do less.
Meanwhile, there seems to be a new surge of energy in the community as can be seen by our January-February schedule, which includes a book study, koan seminar, introduction to Zen, dharma study, 2-day integrative retreat, and haiku class. In April there will be the traditional long retreat led by Sarah Bender Sensei. No one is expected to attend all of these events, but it is a rich fare available to all thanks to your support.
With a deep bow of gratitude on behalf of your steering committee,
Robert