Treasurer's Report: One Together - A Unified Budget in 2021
During the past two years the Vestry and church leadership have carefully evaluated the annual church budget process and how multiple appeals in support of Outreach, St. John’s Day Camp and our St. Matthias Haiti partnership are conducted throughout the church year.
After careful consideration, and in keeping with best practices, the Vestry has unanimously agreed to move to a Unified Budget that aligns the church mission and core ministries with the annual appeal and annual budget process.
What is a Unified Budget?
A Unified Budget includes income and expenses for all that the church does throughout a year. It ensures that the church works as one together by fully supporting the church’s mission and core ministries through the annual appeal and annual budget process.
What are the benefits of a Unified Budget?
A Unified Budget allows the church as a whole to take responsibility for funding our mission, ministries and outreach support. It also allows ministry leaders and church leadership to focus their efforts on the work the church does as opposed to fundraising.
How will A Unified Budget affect the annual pledge appeal?
Parishioners annual gift commitment, or pledge of support, made during October will fund general church operations as well as ministries that previously were funded through separate appeals and budgets. The Vestry invites you to include outreach support as part of your annual gift commitment for the coming year by prayerfully considering an increase in your annual commitment to the church.
Will a Unified Budget change the financial support allocated to outreach ministries?
The Vestry is committed to fully supporting outreach ministries throughout the year. We have all seen the positive impact of St. John’s gifts towards outreach, St. John’s Day Camp and our partnership with St. Matthias. Now more than ever the work that St. John’s does in support of the most vulnerable in our community and beyond is critical and we remain committed to support our partners as best we can.
Will the church flower offerings and events like the Haiti Fete continue?
The adornment of our Church with plants, flowers and other gifts from God’s creation is a way for us to remember loved ones and to give thanks to God for people or events in our lives. Remembering and honoring loved ones through weekly flower offerings, Easter and Christmas flowers will remain unchanged.
Funding for our partners in Haiti has primarily been supported through special appeals. The Haiti Fete has served as a way to build community support and awareness for this important partnership. Gathering in person to celebrate and support our partners in Haiti in the coming year is uncertain due to the Coronavirus. However, the Vestry remains committed to keeping this important tradition in place.
