FINANCIAL UPDATE

BY: JOHN CLAUSING & DAVID VEURINK (STEWARDSHIP DEACON TREASURER)

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

The Bible has so much to say about money, riches, wealth, provision, generosity and giving, doesn’t it? This passage is a great lesson on God’s expectation from us and how we should view and use His good gifts.

On June 30 of this year we ended one fiscal year, and on July 1 we started our 2023/2024 budget. Reflections on the past year once again demonstrated that Faith Church is a church that is “generous and willing to share.” While we did not meet our giving goal of $8.8 million, the giving of $8.1 million was more than our expenses of $7.45 million. God richly provided!

For our 2023/2024 budget, we once again have a God-sized goal - $9.1 million. Yes, this is a significant amount as we seek to meet increasing ministry needs and opportunities here locally and worldwide. As a church family we will need to increase our giving from last fiscal year by just over 12 percent to reach this giving goal.

In addition we also have our “Better Together” building campaign and projects underway. As of July 31 we have had $2,573,150 given of the $6,995,987 pledged. Once again, we are so thankful for those who have stepped forward in faith in this endeavor and who have not set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.

As we enter another busy ministry season, we ask that you reflect on how God has blessed you but also, what he is asking of you. It’s more than “meeting a budget.” It’s an investment in weekly worship services throughout our region; ministering to those with special needs, Faith Kids and Faith Students; mission causes around the world; in future leadership through our residency and internship programs; in helping those in need through food programs; in bringing the goods news of Jesus Christ through social media; in building facilities where lives are changed; and more!

For some, sacrificial giving is already a part of their life and a 12 percent increase is not a reality. For others, sacrificial giving, or giving at all, has not been a part of their walk. What’s important is that we all need to ask ourselves if our generosity and willingness to share aligns with the blessings God has provided. Our 2023/24 giving goal would be met if all members were to give in accordance to the blessings and faithfulness God has provided each of us. Giving is an opportunity, really, to take hold of what is truly life!