I am happy to report that the current year financial picture of the church budget is good. Through seven months our revenue is above the expected 58.3% of budget and our expenses are below.  This current year surplus is in great part due to Andy Bachmann’s departure and the use of an interim transition team to support our current ministers. 

Here is a summary budget report through the end of July.

As you read this article in September, we are already working on our budget for 2024. Besides the staffing decisions, there will also be maintenance and capital improvement requirements in the coming year. The Board of Business does not make those decisions. The board is only responsible for determining the costs of those decisions and presenting them to the congregation.

We are working on improving our financial reporting for 2024, to be able to make a transparent, consolidated financial presentation to the congregation that includes all the church programs and capital expenses together with the pledge budget. Ultimately, we would like to bring programs that are typically funded through registration fees, fund raising, and designated donations into a more complete church budget and financial presentations.

While we’re talking about budgeting, have you considered joining the Board of Business? The business of the Board of Business is to enable UCG to meet its mission by providing stewardship for UCG assets and resources through overseeing and authorizing Church expenditures, including salaries and benefits for staff personnel; supervising the Church’s operational budget; managing and overseeing all financial assets and liabilities not included in the Endowment; maintaining care and custody of all Church property, facilities, and physical resources, including procuring and disposing of real property as directed by the congregation; planning for short-term and long-term capital needs; and overseeing UCG fundraising processes, including but not limited to facilitation of the annual enlistment campaign.

It sounds like a lot of work, but we have a very able staff that does the heavy lifting. We also rely on the Board of Human Resources to make final decisions on compensation and benefits. We rely on an Enlistment Committee to run the annual campaign. We rely on the Buildings and Ground Committee to prioritize work done on our buildings and campus. Our role is mainly oversight, policy decisions, and reporting to the congregation. You do not have to be a financial professional to be on this board.  If you have ever had to look at your own household budget and make decisions, then you have the experience. A willingness to ask questions and voice your opinion is always welcome. We currently meet the second Thursday of each month and 6 p.m. via Zoom. If you are interested, feel free to reach out. My email is alan51hill@gmail.