Finance Committee Update
As we head into the summer months that always test our UUMC budgeting, I want to provide an update from the Finance Committee on the year so far.
First, thank you to all of our faithful givers. Through April, you have already given $333,894 in pledged giving, or 42% of the $787,995 pledged during last fall’s stewardship campaign. That year-to-date total is boosted by numerous members opting to fulfill their annual pledges in full in January and February, putting our pledged giving $71,000 ahead of budget. We are already seeing the result of so many people stepping up to help us (nearly) meet our stewardship goal to increase pledged giving by $100,000. Thank you for answering that call.
Our $35,820 in non-pledged giving, however, is running $18,000 short of budget and is trailing past years. Our non-pledged giving—essentially the Sunday offering and other gifts that aren’t tied to pledges—traditionally is strongest in the later months of the year, and we’ll need that trend to continue this year to meet our budget projection of $163,000.
All told, church income through April was ahead of budget, while expenses of $548,774 were slightly under budget.
But summer always presents challenges for us, as utility costs soar and giving decreases with attendance. You can help by keeping current on pledges while you’re away this summer. As you make travel plans and kennel reservations, please also make plans for your gifts to UUMC.
Also please make plans to attend the June 29 presentation and discussion “This Beautiful Old Building: Understanding Its Challenges & Possibilities” during the Sunday school hour. Communications director Chad Jones will lead a discussion of our work with the Rooted Good initiative, a curriculum that helps churches reimagine their buildings and real estate to best serve their communities. As finance chair, I know that our aging campus presents some of our biggest financial challenges, from air conditioning to pipe organ, but that we also are blessed with a congregation ready to take on those challenges and to ensure a bright future at 24th and Guadalupe.
– John Bridges,
finance chair
