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In this Regathering season, your Treasurers want to provide a financial update building on the report made during the Special Congregational Meeting in June. We think it is important for everyone to know where we stand as we work on the 2026 operating budget and prepare for our fall Stewardship campaign.

The good news is that if we achieve full payment of our 2025 pledges we will finish the year with a 40% reduction in the budget deficit (from $98,000 to around $60,000). This reflects both an increase in revenue and reduction in expenses. We want to thank everyone who has helped contribute to this improved picture through their generosity in giving and restraint in spending. These are wonderful signs of the spirit of belonging and commitment here at First Church!

However, the reality is we are still facing a deficit this year of more than $50,000, and the early projections for 2026 are showing a deficit in the range of $65-80,000 if we hold expenses level.

As we enter the active search for our new settled minister, it is important that we can demonstrate a shared commitment to reaching a sustained level of financial health and stability —something that is important to attract the best candidates.

Therefore, we would like to encourage everyone to prayerfully consider whether you might be able to make an additional gift or pledge during 2025 (adding a 13th month on your pledge perhaps?). And as we enter our Stewardship campaign for 2026 in the coming weeks, please be as generous as possible. These efforts, along with our ongoing work to control costs on the expense side, will go a long way towards achieving our commitment to a balanced operating budget.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to either of us with any questions you may have. We continue to be thankful for the deep and generous commitment of time, talent, and treasure from everyone in this congregation.

Faithfully,

Jim Cairns, Treasurer
John McCarty, Associate Treasurer