2017 Finances & Budget: How Did We Do? Thanks to a generous $25,000 donation-matching gift and the extraordinary generosity of congregation members who were able to raise their pledge by just a small percentage, we closed our budget deficit for 2017 before the end of the year!
At the December 11 Congregational Budget Meeting the church approved a budget showing a deficit of ~$51,000 but with much debate and appropriate concern for how best to sustain meaningful ministries. Staff costs play the largest role in our budgeting and there was good discussion about needing and wanting to recognize merit accomplishments in the music staff, and to make the office and church administrator positions equitable to regional standards. Neither pastoral position was increased.
Though the books have not yet closed on 2016, it appears that we more than met our expenses and will have an amount to carry over into 2017. The finance board is deeply grateful for the many ways each member and friend makes possible the work of the church. Your tithes and special gifts mean that a witness of Love, Hope, Peace, Justice, and Joy can thrive. Our giving teaches and preaches to a world consumed by division. Thank you for being the church as we steward our resources for 2017 and beyond.
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