There are three parts to this treasurer’s report: the Numbers, the Goal and the Course of Action.

Numbers

We are 75% of the way through the year and we’ve collected 83% of the pledges. Are people paying early or are they paying more? Only time will tell.

Goal

Church leadership has been delivering the message with increasing clarity that the church is embarking on an expanded mission and vision that requires an increase in committed pledging to cover the 2026 budget.

At the congregational budget discussions this month, a major emphasis had to do with the congregation’s developing role in shaping the church budget. For much of church history the budget preparation was handled by the pastor. When pledges did not cover the budget, donors were asked to fill in the gaps.

Course of Action

Since the pandemic and the abrupt turn over in pastoral leadership, your church board has become committed to involving the congregation in a transparent process of creating and managing the budget. With this change in practice comes an increased responsibility for the congregation. Instead of selected donors being asked to cover a budget shortfall, the policy and practice of the Board, supported by the Finance Committee and with the buy-in of the congregation, is to build a budget covered by total annual congregational pledges. This means when voting on the budget, as members, you are also voting on your willingness to pledge to cover the mission and vision of the Church.

Pledging can mean The List of your time and talent and/or The Box of material possessions for neighbors in need and/or The Basket of financial pledges. Together, the congregation, board and pastoral leadership will insure the success of our shared vision and mission.