Dear Church Family,My name is Sandra, and I joyfully serve as the Chair of our Finance Committee. Our dedicated team works diligently behind the scenes, ensuring that the financial resources entrusted to us by our congregation are stewarded wisely. Today, I get to share the first of three letters with you, each focusing on a different aspect of our shared journey. Stay tuned for two more letters from Lance on this topic.
Introducing the 2024 Budget:
Let’s dive straight into the heart of the matter: we need to increase our funding of the church. The finance committee has our fingers on the financial pulse of the church, and our reasonable estimate of the church’s expected giving is going to be about $340,000 short of our expenses this year. As good stewards of our church resources, we are bringing this to you now when we have time to intervene. We are confident that funding this gap is well within the means of our congregation.
Our 2024 budget isn’t just a collection of numbers: it’s a vibrant expression of our commitment to ministry. It supports our Healthy Plate Discipleship approach, ensuring that every dollar serves our mission effectively. You might wonder, why this budget? What does it accomplish? And can we afford it? Excellent questions! Let’s explore:
- Why This Budget? Our budget is more than a financial plan; it’s a spiritual roadmap. It fuels our worship services, community programs, and outreach initiatives. It’s a tangible expression of our faith in action and is about in line with our ministry activities last year.
- What Does It Accomplish? This budget empowers us to continue our impactful work here in Fort Worth that provides essential ministries, staff support, and facility maintenance. It’s not just about dollars; it’s about lives transformed.
- Can We Afford It? Absolutely! Our diligent financial planning ensures that we allocate resources wisely. As we faithfully manage what God entrusts to us, we’re confident that His provision will exceed our needs.
Looking Back at 2023: A Closer Look
In the rearview mirror of 2023, we see both challenges and victories. Let’s unpack it:
- Stable Giving: Your faithful tithes and offerings have kept our ministry steady. Our congregation’s generosity remains at about the same levels, sustaining our core functions. Thank you for your unwavering commitment!
- Stable Discretionary Expenses: We’ve been prudent stewards. Every dollar spent aligns with our mission and priorities. Whether it’s supporting a community event or maintaining our facilities, we’ve been intentional.
- Rising Fixed Expenses: Unfortunately, inflation affects the church too. Costs for utilities, insurance, and other facility expenses have increased. But fear not—we’re navigating these waters with wisdom.
Overall, we are controlling the costs where we can and keeping our ministry funding as steady as possible.
A Positive Outlook: God’s Provision
Despite our increasing costs, we’re a community on the rise. Worship attendance continues to climb and when we include digital engagement, our attendance surpasses pre-pandemic levels. The Spirit moves among us!
My own family gives to the church because we know that all of our resources are God’s to begin with. We love being a part of God’s work for change in Fort Worth, partnering with ministries in a way that we could never do on our own.
Let’s remember Malachi 3:10: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” Now is the time to invest in our fruitful ministries. Let’s continue to support one another, pray fervently, and give generously. Together, we’ll go out to be God’s people in the world.
Blessings,
Sandra Bembenek
Finance Committee Chair
Finance Committee Chair
