At our next church members meeting on June 22, the church Council will present our 2025–26 church budget. Papers will be sent out this weekend. This summary is provided for the church by our treasurer Glenn Dixon.
Budget Key Points:
- This year our church budgeting has been challenging. While our expenses are predictble, our offering income has not been and hasn’t grown as expected.
- Our church giving trends:
- congregational giving varies a lot month to month.
- the expected offering income for 2024–25 is similar to the average of the past three years, not higher as we hoped.
- We have based our new budget on conservative, realistic estimates of congregational giving using the giving average as a starting point.
Our challenge:
- Even after cutting costs (like wages, insurance, and property maintenance), we still face a $5,000 deficit, which could grow to $10,000–$15,000 after adjustments.
- We have financial reserves, but relying on them isn’t sustainable.
Our response:
- Long-term: We’re working on ways to grow additional income streams.
- Short-term: strengthen congregational support.
- If you already support financially, could you consider reviewing your giving?
- If you are not yet giving, why not consider supporting the church financially. Further information is available at upbc.org.au/support
Our hope:
- An extra $35,000 would allow us to cover current ministry and property maintainence demands.
- additional funding would be needed for future ministry and growth and property development.
With thanks,
Glenn Dixon, Church treasurer.