It has been a challenging year at UCG. This time last year we had hopes of calling a third minister. We weren’t able to do that. However, significant changes to our office staffing have enhanced our management of operations, communications, programming and future fundraising.

I’m happy to report that so far, church finances have not been a challenge this year. I can only report on revenue and spending through October at the time of this writing. Through October 31st, our revenue year to date was right on target at 83.3% of the budgeted total. Pledge income is less than 1% less than we would hope, but plate collections and interest income are well above our projections.

Our spending through October is less than 80% of our total budget. Spending on ministers, staff, and benefits is about a half a percent below budget. Space and general operating costs are trending well below expectations. While utilities have been high, they are still $2,500 less than they were for the first 10 months of 2023. Maintenance costs have been much less than budgeted. Our costs for technology have been higher than expected due to replacement of some audio-visual equipment.

Church programs have only spent about 41% of their budgeted amounts. We did spend more than expected for our capital campaign budget and the Board of Business did pause contributions to our capital reserves. We will revisit this at the end of year to see if we have a surplus than could be added to reserves.

Bottom line, through October we had received $33,347 more than we spent. There are still significant costs for the last two months of the year, particularly with three pay periods in December.

All of this is due in great part to members continuing to fulfill their pledge commitments and giving even more when we pass the hat. If you have not yet fulfilled your pledge commitment, December would be a great time to make that year end gift.

Speaking of giving, almost $262,000 has been added to various designated accounts through October. $24,945 came from the church budget, but the balance came from donations, fundraisers, grants, and registration fees for various church programs. Generous members have contributed $111,535 to our building improvements fund (a/k/a capital reserves). Grants have brought in over $40,000 and program registrations have totaled almost $60,000. At the end of October, we had $286,661 encumbered in various designated accounts.

Also, as of the end of October our endowment had grown to $338,226 an increase of 24% since October 31, 2023.

Despite this good financial news, I remind you that 2025 presents more challenges. There will be a search for a transition minister. We will enter a period of reflection and reconciliation that will likely involve the expense of an outside consultant. We will have many guest speakers to support Talia throughout the year. To top that off, Talia will be on a much-deserved sabbatical next summer.

As I write this article, we have only reached 77% of our pledge goal of $850,000. Please, if you have not yet made a pledge, consider doing so. Your support is vital to the continued good health and growth of our church community. Remember, we are the church, and the church feeds our souls. Please give generously.