Words from Our Church Council and Finance Committee
April 2023
Greetings to the Mars Hill United Methodist Church family from the Church Council and Finance Committee. We are very encouraged and appreciative that our church family participation remains strong and hopeful following three years of redefining and restructuring our presence and mission as a result of the global pandemic. Our music program including voice choir and handbell choir has resumed its important role in worship, and fellowship events are being held once again. Our online presence established during the pandemic continues to thrive with improved technical equipment purchased with the assistance of a grant from the Western NC Conference of the United Methodist Church. New members have joined our church family and we are participating with another church family in a year-long program of study and reflection.
Although our current position is hopeful and positive, in order to continue our mission successfully it is essential that we anticipate the financial challenges and possibilities that our near future holds. For the past several years we have received supplementary income from the Western NC Conference to assist with pastoral compensation. We are no longer eligible for these funds, causing an immediate need for increased income or decreased expenses to maintain a viable long-range financial position. If we do not meet these financial needs, we will deplete our limited reserves, resulting in an extremely precarious financial position.
The current 2023 budget approved by the Church Council totals $92,191.50, as shown on the following page. Monthly income required to meet the projected expense is $7,682.63. For the first three months of 2023 unrestricted monthly income averaged $7,468. If this trend continues throughout the year, there is an expected annual deficit of approximately $2,500. This projection assumes no additional unexpected expenses.
In response to this assessment of our financial condition, the Church Council and Finance Committee urge each member of our church family to carefully and prayerfully consider the financial support that you are able to provide for the continuing work and mission of Mars Hill United Methodist Church. Please know that your support is crucial for our church to remain financially viable. Thank you for your continued devotion, participation and contribution as an essential part of Mars Hill UMC. Together, we can continue our mission and outreach including pastoral and congregational care for our community.