Becky Petterson

Soon after joining Burlington United Methodist Church in 1999, Ida Belle Caldwell asked me if I would like to be the church treasurer. Since I had just joined and was looking forward to finding my role in the church and becoming an active member, I said, Yes!  Fast forward 24 years later, I am still serving in that role. So apparently, God called me to be a church treasurer.  It’s a behind-the-scenes position that I take seriously. The church treasurer represents the church within the community, with banks and business vendors. The church treasurer has the role of maintaining the business integrity of the church body and faithfully stewarding the resources that God has entrusted to the church. Some of my duties include paying all obligations (bills, fees, charges, etc.), performing financial record keeping, and preparing financial reports for review by the leadership team. I also ensure that the federal, state and other payroll taxes are paid in accordance with law and submitted in a timely manner. All staff payroll is done monthly, including submission of pension payments for the pastor. I monitor the cash position of the congregation and move funds in and out of investments as needed to cover operating costs and special programs. Each fall, I work with committee chairs to prepare their annual budgets.          It’s not a glamourous job, but just one part of what makes BMC work. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 talks about one body, many members. Our church is one body made up of many different individuals who have placed their faith in Jesus. We have been called to commit to this church where we can use our gifts to love and serve each other. Some have been called to be teachers and some to be leaders. With God’s help, I’m trying to use my skills the best I know how.