CHRIST CHURCH FINANCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Christ Church's income come from?
Christ Church’s operating budget for 2009 included income of $756,000.
· The primary and most important source of income is through annual pledges from members and friends of the church, which at $608,000 accounted for 80% of our operating budget income.
· Another 11% ($81,000) came from non-pledged, loose plate, and special offerings, and miscellaneous income.
· The third element is from our invested assets, which provided 9% ($67,000) of our 2009 operating budget income.
· The capital budget for major maintenance and equipment purchases is funded separately from our invested assets. The 2009 capital budget was $57,000.
· There are also special fund raising activities that are not included in the budget such as “The Sale,” sponsored semi-annually by the ECW, and the “Duck Inn” and ”Duck Out”, held during the Waterfowl Festival. These special fund raising activities plus many individual special contributions are the primary source of support for the majority of our Outreach ministries.
How much do people pledge at Christ Church? What is the average pledge?
Pledge amounts vary widely. Each person must determine the appropriate amount for his/her individual situation. In 2009 the average pledge at Christ Church was $2,660. The 2009 pledge breakdown is as follows:
# % Total $ %
Individual of of All Amount of All
Pledge Amount Pledges Pledges Pledged Pledged
Less than $1,000 59 26% $ 24,819 4%
$1,000 - $1,999 71 30% $ 89,962 15%
$2,000 - $3,999 59 26% $158,224 26%
$4,000 or more 42 18% $341,575 55%
Total All Pledges 231 100% $614,580 100%
It is understandable that everyone cannot be in the top tiers of giving, but perhaps some of our 2009 pledges could have been more generous. For 2010, everyone is asked to reconsider their pledge in the context of Proportional Giving and increase their support of our ministries and programs. Pledges of $742,000 in 2010 will help cover the cost and enable the achievement of our 2010 Mission and Ministry Goals.
How are the Endowment and Investment Funds used?
Christ Church is blessed to have parishioners who make the generous contributions enabling the creation and growth of our endowment and investment funds. Many of the individual endowment and investment funds specify how and for what purposes the money in the fund can be used. The use of the funds and withdrawals from the funds are limited. Some are restricted to capital expenditures related to building, grounds, and equipment. Others are to support ongoing general operating expenses. And some specify spending on specific items such as altar hangings and vestments. A complete list of the funds and their descriptions are available in the Christ Church annual report.
How much income do we receive from the Endowment and Investment Funds?
Income paid from the Endowment and Investment Funds must comply with the state regulations for endowment funds and the guidelines established by the Vestry. The intent of these regulations and guidelines is to assure that the funds are not depleted by excessive withdrawals over time. The Vestry’s guidelines stipulate that annual withdrawals from the funds shall not exceed 6% of the fund’s average balance over the past three years. The 2009 budget included transfers of $67,000 from invested assets in funds that support general operating expenses, and $57,000 from invested assets in funds that support capital spending for equipment and major maintenance.
Does Christ Church receive money from the Diocese or the National Episcopal Church?
No. It is actually the other way around. Each year Christ Church and all other Episcopal parishes are called upon to support the mission of our respective Dioceses through an annual apportionment based on the income we received. And each Diocese is called upon to pay an annual assessment in support of the work of the national church.
Why do we need a balanced budget?
We cannot spend money we don’t have! Ongoing budget deficits would quickly consume any remaining surpluses from past years. If our income does not cover our expenses, we would have no choice but to cut back on our programs and ministries or enter into a process of raising money throughout the year. As stewards of God’s creation and the Gospel, an important aspect of our responsibility is to assure the ongoing sustainability of our ministries and programs that bring so much good into the lives of our parishioners and the greater communities in which we live. To do so requires a balanced budget.
How will my pledge and other giving be used by Christ Church?
Annual pledges and other unrestricted giving goes directly to the support of our many ministries and programs, along with the day-to-day operations of the church. This includes the upkeep and maintenance of our buildings and grounds; the costs associated with our youth programs, music ministry, worship services, Sunday school, certain outreach programs, and adult education; salaries, wages, and benefits for our clergy and staff; and support provided to the diocese.
Are Christ Church expenses too high?
No. Our spending is in line with our ministries, programs, and day-to-day operations of the church. All expenditures are carefully monitored to assure that the spending is merited. All new programs and initiatives are reviewed and must contribute to the ongoing support and enhancement of our programs and ministries before they are approved.
Why is Outreach and Evangelism a relatively small piece of the budget?
The Outreach and Evangelism budget includes just a small portion of the cost of our Outreach ministries. The great majority of our Outreach programs are call-driven ministries that are funded by special fund raising programs and individual special contributions that are not included in the budget. Furthermore, the staff support for Outreach is included in the budget for Personnel Costs, not in the Outreach and Evangelism budget.
Why is there such a large increase in the 2010 spending?
The current outlook for 2010 spending reflects several proposed initiatives and goals that will help Christ Church to more widely proclaim the Gospel, and to improve the effectiveness and reach of our ministries. While the 2010 budget is not yet finalized or approved, we certainly hope to get the support necessary to fund and achieve these goals, which include an Assistant Rector, additional administrative support staff, further expansion of our music programs, and the launch of an additional worship service. Most of the spending increase is linked to the Assistant Rector and support staff.
Why do we need an Assistant Rector?
As Christ Church has grown, the number of people in need of our ministries has also grown. There are more and more parishioners in need of pastoral care, whether at home, in the hospital, in assisted living facilities, or at Hospice. An Assistant Rector will allow us to expand the reach of our pastoral care, bringing a listening ear, comfort and prayer to more of those in need. He/she will participate in virtually all aspects of parish life, including preaching the Word of God, supporting our lay ministries, Christian education for all ages, and sharing his/her perspective on God’s message for us. An Assistant Rector will play a key role in spreading the Word of God and keeping the light of Christ shining in our community.
How is the Music Program going to change?
Both our traditional and contemporary music programs have benefitted from the addition of our two excellent Ministers of Music over the past year. We have already seen significant improvement in the quality and scope of our music programs. This trend will continue through 2010, with changes that will be evolutionary – not revolutionary. The role of music in our worship will become even more meaningful and opportunities for the appreciation of music amongst parishioners of all ages will be expanded.
Why do we need to grow? I like the church just the way it is.
Many people like Christ Church. That is why we are growing. Christ challenged us to be his disciples, to proclaim the Gospel, and to celebrate the Glory of God. Our mission statement says “We believe the Holy Spirit is real and inspires us to be the light of Christ in our community as a reflection of God’s love.” As we keep the light shining it naturally attracts new people to Christ Church. Without new members, Christ Church would slowly fade away, which would be an abrogation of our calling to spread the Word of God and our responsibility to the youth of our parish and to future generations. We have an obligation to keep Christ Church a vibrant, growing, and sustainable parish.