Praises and thanks to many!

I am excited to share that, based on the October 30th financials, while we are still short of balancing our budget, we are in much better shape than we were two months ago. Several factors have helped to improve our ability to continue serving the needs of our congregation while also starting a renewed focus on ministry to children and youth. These factors include:

• Generous giving by our faithful congregation
  October’s contributions were higher than any month in the last two years!

• Thanks to many dedicated volunteers, we raised $3,000 over budget from the Pumpkin Patch! The Haunted House provided very positive revenue as well.

• Lower than budgeted expenses
  While our challenges continue, especially related to the expense of maintaining the very prominent and beautiful building that we have been entrusted with, our financial picture is significantly improved.

Although our finances are better than they were two months ago, we will still need a year-end boost in giving. Historically our contributions in November and December are higher than the earlier months. We are hoping fo,r and praying that, contributions for the last two months remain high. Contributions in October were almost $29,000. If we collectively are able match or slightly exceed that amount, we should be able to end the year without a deficit. If you are able to increase your contribution in December, it will be greatly appreciated

Jere Cowden
Finance Chair

2023 Giving & 2024 Offering Envelopes

Per IRS guidelines, all donations for 2023 must be received in the church office, or be post-marked, no later than by Dec. 31, 2023. Boxes of weekly offering envelopes for 2024 are available in the back of the sanctuary for those who have requested them.

Photo by Kayla