July 2021
Dear Church Family,
As we come out of the pandemic and begin returning to the pews again on Sundays, the financial position of the church continues to hold strong. Through June 30 giving to the Unified Budget is down just slightly (2%) from the same period last year at $228,000. Meanwhile, expenses for the first half of the year were at $217,000, for net revenue over expenses of $11,000. This included paying 100% of our Ministry Shares obligations at both the Conference and District levels. Your outstanding support for the Unified Budget keeps the important work of the church moving forward both here and around the world!
Of course, the second half of the year brings with it a pastoral change for FUMER. We wish Pastor Marty well in retirement and are excited about what Pastor Melany is bringing to Eaton Rapids! Her compensation package will not have an impact on the bottom line based on what had been budgeted for Pastor Marty. The church is in a terrific position to begin a bright new future with our first female lead pastor!
Another change in leadership we wish to acknowledge is occurring at Small Blessings daycare where long-time director, Annette Winzeler is retiring. For 24 years Annette has provided hundreds of families with quality Christian childcare and most recently as director has done an outstanding job with the financial and regulatory challenges that are involved. We thank her for her faithful service and wish her well in retirement!
At this important juncture in our church’s history, FUMER’s finances have never been healthier. As noted above, the Unified Budget is strong. So is the Small Blessings daycare thanks to Annette and the Payroll Protection grant discussed in our last letter. Giving continues to come into the Building Fund to pay on our mortgage loan from the steeple/façade/parking lot project of a few years ago. Mini “capital campaigns” for the digital sign and live streaming equipment raised nearly $50,000 in 2019 and 2020. The Endowment has grown to approximately $450,000 that supports capital improvements and scholarships. We pay 100% of our Ministry Shares (“Apportionments”) to support needs beyond the local church. Extra mile giving for specific missions and world hunger continues unabated. And the list goes on and on . . .
So, as we look ahead to the remainder of 2021 and beyond, we feel confident that God will continue to work through your gifts to accomplish his purposes through First Church. Your commitment and generosity serve as an amazing example of your love for God and others. Thank you!
On behalf of the Finance Committee,
Steven Peters, Chair
Dear Church Family,
As we come out of the pandemic and begin returning to the pews again on Sundays, the financial position of the church continues to hold strong. Through June 30 giving to the Unified Budget is down just slightly (2%) from the same period last year at $228,000. Meanwhile, expenses for the first half of the year were at $217,000, for net revenue over expenses of $11,000. This included paying 100% of our Ministry Shares obligations at both the Conference and District levels. Your outstanding support for the Unified Budget keeps the important work of the church moving forward both here and around the world!
Of course, the second half of the year brings with it a pastoral change for FUMER. We wish Pastor Marty well in retirement and are excited about what Pastor Melany is bringing to Eaton Rapids! Her compensation package will not have an impact on the bottom line based on what had been budgeted for Pastor Marty. The church is in a terrific position to begin a bright new future with our first female lead pastor!
Another change in leadership we wish to acknowledge is occurring at Small Blessings daycare where long-time director, Annette Winzeler is retiring. For 24 years Annette has provided hundreds of families with quality Christian childcare and most recently as director has done an outstanding job with the financial and regulatory challenges that are involved. We thank her for her faithful service and wish her well in retirement!
At this important juncture in our church’s history, FUMER’s finances have never been healthier. As noted above, the Unified Budget is strong. So is the Small Blessings daycare thanks to Annette and the Payroll Protection grant discussed in our last letter. Giving continues to come into the Building Fund to pay on our mortgage loan from the steeple/façade/parking lot project of a few years ago. Mini “capital campaigns” for the digital sign and live streaming equipment raised nearly $50,000 in 2019 and 2020. The Endowment has grown to approximately $450,000 that supports capital improvements and scholarships. We pay 100% of our Ministry Shares (“Apportionments”) to support needs beyond the local church. Extra mile giving for specific missions and world hunger continues unabated. And the list goes on and on . . .
So, as we look ahead to the remainder of 2021 and beyond, we feel confident that God will continue to work through your gifts to accomplish his purposes through First Church. Your commitment and generosity serve as an amazing example of your love for God and others. Thank you!
On behalf of the Finance Committee,
Steven Peters, Chair