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Financials, Budgets, Oh My! And a Story of Grace
We started 2023 with a stretch budget. We knew that our budgeted income might be a high and yet, we moved forward in faith, trusting in God's abundance and generosity to lead the way. 2023 was our first year, since the pandemic without a governmental grant supplementing our income. Nevertheless, we ended the year strong and we are so, so grateful. Because of the mindful stewardship of our staff, our expenses stayed low. Because of your generosity and support, our income was steady. We were able to put additional money into capital savings for our building project, as well as fulfill our benevolence promises. Thank you!
Last night at our Vision Board meeting, the Board approved the 2024 budget that we will vote on at the Congregational meeting on February 4th. If your eyes glaze over at the thought of a budget, you are not alone. The good news is we have a terrific financial team who has worked and looked over all the components of the budget as well as the faithful work of our church administrator, Tracie Russell. I want you to know that we welcome your questions on the budget.
I will confess that at times, I worry. I spend time looking at numbers and the amount of money we have, and also at the expenses of running a vibrant church like Grace along with the building project. There are times that I get overwhelmed. But over and over again, I have learned to trust in God's provision. God has given us the right people to lead this church both on staff and on our Vision Board and in other significant positions. God continues to inspire, and generously provide. Thank you for the love, support, faithfulness and generosity that you provide at Grace, it has made a difference and allowed the important work of Grace to happen.
One quick story before I conclude: I was able recently to give a financial gift to a young person who has had a hard life and was struggling financially. She kept hugging and crying as I gave her the check telling me that this is the first time that she has felt cared for like this. She has never experienced compassion and people willing to give and help. I repeatedly told that I was just the messenger, that it is the people of Grace who made this possible. She stated: I've never been in a place like this. This my friends is the glimpse of God's kingdom coming to light in our world, generous love that allows God's light and God's provision to come through. Thanks be to God, it is always about more than numbers. It is about faithfulness and love transforming hearts, and lives.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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