Money Matters 4/1/2026
Canvass Update
As of March 26th, we are $60,000 away from meeting our canvass goal for the July 2026-July 2027 year. We are getting close, but not there yet. Of course, we would love to exceed this since that would make a difference on how much we can fund our committees-something that has very tangible results. Thanks to all that have made their pledges. If you have not yet made your pledge, please make it as soon as possible.
RaiseRight Income
If you are on the Church’s mailing list, you should have received emails regarding how you can help the Church by using RaiseRight. This is a great, low-cost, low-effort way to raise funds for the Church. Once you sign up, you can get electronic or physical gift cards to use for purchases from over 750 popular vendors, including Jewel-Osco, Home Depot, Dick’s, CVS, Starbucks, Staples, Air BnB, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Amazon, Visa and many, many more. Each time you purchase a gift card, a percentage goes to the Church and the cost to the you can be as low as 29 cents per gift card. For example, if you purchase a $100 Home Depot electronic gift card, you can pay $100.29, it will be delivered immediately to you and the church receives $7. You can use these for your everyday purchases or as gifts for others.
Consider signing up now!
February Results
The actual results for July through February show net operating income, an increase of approximately $9,000 from last month. Pledges are holding close to budget. While we are under budget for rental income, RaiseRight income and earnings on our LE Fitts fund, this has been more than offset by strong collection plate receipts, as well as successful fundraisers. Our overall expenses are holding close to budget. We have excess budget due to the early payoff of our mortgage (thanks to a generous donation), which offsets additional costs for needed computers for our administrative office and water damage costs. We expect the net operating income will go down over the rest of the year as committees use their budgeted amounts.
During February and March, we received $93,000 as a generous bequest from Gene Horcher. Only $3,000 will be included in our income results for the current year, with $2,000 included in the results through February. The remainder is being set aside to offset future expenses for social justice initiatives, major maintenance work and other operating expenses. Many thanks to Gene for making this meaningful gift to the church!
Actual July to February
Total Revenue: $341.963
Total Expenses: $320,112
Net Operating Income: $21,851 (excludes special $70,000 donation used to pay off mortgage)
Capital Campaign and Major Maintenance Project Update
We currently have approximately $14,000 remaining expenses to be paid on the capital campaign, some of which has the work completed but for which we are still waiting for invoices. Expenses include approximately $1,300 for painting, $5,000 for flooring, $6,000 to $12,000 for garden restoration. In addition, we expect the cost of installing a hardscraping base for trash carts to total approximately $20,000 and are in the process of getting estimates for work on the windows in the Loft. One other major maintenance project is work needed on our plumbing and sewer line to prevent future water damage like we had in January; we are still evaluating what is needed and what the cost will be.
We are still relying on capital campaign pledges to help cover these projects. Thanks to all who have fully paid their pledge. If you still owe amounts, we greatly appreciate your payments.
Respectfully submitted,
