As of May 31, Sewickley United Methodist Church has received $125,709 in operating income for the year, compared to a budget of $133,925. Operating expenses total $186,654 against a budget of $184,182. As a result, the church has recorded a year-to-date operating deficit of approximately $60,945. While this is larger than originally budgeted, it is important to note that our 2026 budget anticipated operating deficits and that expenses and giving do not always occur evenly throughout the year.
The most significant challenge continues to be regular congregational giving, which is currently about $10,400 below budget expectations. At the same time, we have seen positive results in several other areas, including facility use income and miscellaneous revenue sources, which have helped offset a portion of that shortfall.
On the expense side, staffing costs remain favorable and are currently below budget. However, property-related expenses have been higher than anticipated, particularly in the areas of insurance and parsonage maintenance. These costs reflect our ongoing commitment to caring for the facilities entrusted to us.
Despite these operating challenges, the church remains financially stable. The General Fund balance ended May at $42,522, and total church fund balances increased to $114,808. In addition, trust and endowment assets remain strong at approximately $655,000. These resources provide an important foundation for both current ministry and future planning.
Several designated ministry funds continue to support active ministry throughout the church, including outreach programs, educational ministries, music ministries, the Good Neighbor Program, and the Sewickley Pride Fund. These designated gifts allow us to extend the impact of our ministry both within our congregation and throughout the wider community.
The Leadership Board has also begun reviewing new capital project reporting that provides greater transparency regarding major facility projects and the funding sources supporting them. As we move forward with planned facility improvements, this reporting will help ensure clear communication and responsible stewardship of church resources.
Thank you for your continued generosity, prayers, and commitment to the ministry of Sewickley United Methodist Church. Every gift, whether large or small, helps support the worship, outreach, care, and community that define our shared ministry.
Respectfully submitted,
Chad Wolfe
Treasurer