Our June elder meeting was held July 1. Josh gave us an update on their mission; we were encouraged and spent time in prayer for their mission.

Much of the remaining time was spent formulating a budget for the 26-27 fiscal year. You should be receiving that proposed budget from the elders in the next day or two, along with other important information for the upcoming Family Gathering. Please watch for that email, review the information, pray, and be ready to vote at the July 26 Family Gathering.

Current year giving (through 11 months) is substantially short of budgeted giving and actual expenses, and below prior year giving. (Hopefully, this is not a surprise as year to date giving vs budget is shown every week in the CBC Weekly). As a result, the proposed 26-27 budget reflects a decrease from the current year budget. The largest cuts are in Missions, Operations/Tech and Debt Service.

In recent years, the missions budget has been based on a percentage of giving that has varied between 10% and 12%. The proposed budget represents a fixed budget amount that is slightly in excess of 10% of estimated giving. This amount meets current missions obligations to our existing missions partners.

Our debt service payments have exceeded that required, which would result in paying our loan off 2.5 years early. The proposed budget would reduce our debt payment to the required payment, but still result in paying our loan off by the maturity date.

The Tech team has recommended changing vendors for tech support, providing substantial savings. It should be recognized that CBC's budget for Operations and Tech is substantially less than that of other churches of similar size. This has been achieved through the generous, skilled and enthusiastic work of volunteers. Grounds work (winter and summer), and much of our tech and operations maintenance is volunteer based. Thanks to those honoring God by sharing their time and abilities with the church.

The budgeting process included time spent by the elders in prayer and consideration of how we can be faithful and wise stewards. Just as each of us should be good stewards with the resources God generously provides, our church is called to do the same. Budget cuts seem discouraging, but it is encouraging to see the overall picture; being a church and people who actively participate in missions, evangelism and discipleship and regularly meet in joyful worship where the Good News is preached!

Please feel free to reach out to any of the elders with questions prior to the Family Gathering if possible. As always, there will be Q&A at the Family Gathering. By tradition, there will also be a meal to share and we look forward to sharing this meal together with great joy!