January 2026
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for your generous giving in 2025! You may recall our concern throughout the year that although revenues were running ahead of the year before, they were not keeping pace with expenses. That trend continued with strong giving in December pushing total 2025 revenue for the Unified Budget to just over $490,000, which was 3.2% more than 2024. This was the second highest annual total in the last ten years! Unfortunately, it was not enough to cover all our actual 2025 expenses of $505,000. As a result, we begin 2026 with a Unified Fund Balance of $38,000, which is $15,000 less on hand than we had to start last year. While it is not as much as we would like, we believe it is still sufficient to go forward with our 2026 budget which we will continue to monitor closely. An increase in gifts marked for the Unified Budget in 2026 would help continued rising costs. We know you are generous people and we thank God for the way he provides for others through you! In addition to the record level of giving to the Unified Budget in 2025, tens of thousands of dollars in “second mile” gifts poured in for other designated purposes as well! For example, $12,300 for a variety of mission works, $5,600 for UMCOR, $2,300 for Work Camps, and $17,150 for the Building Fund toward the mortgage. These truly astounding amounts speak of your generosity and your heart for God and his people! Because of your steadfast and faithful financial support, FUMER will continue to be able to evolve and thrive during changing and challenging times. The church’s investment in excellent facilities and enthusiastic staff with outstanding expertise and credentials, positions us for long-term success. Upward trends can be seen in attendance (online and in person), memberships, baptisms, small groups, and children and youth worship. As a church, we continue to keep multiple “doors” or “pathways” into the church open by means such as musical groups, online streaming, Christian daycare services, the Block Party, and other community outreach activities. Awareness of our programs has also resulted in outside support and grants benefitting Cinderella's Closet, perishables for the food lockers, and Small Blessings daycare. We thank God for such a vibrant, healthy church! The extent of your support in 2025 was once again humbling and appreciated. Thank you for making a difference by being generous with all that God has given you!
On behalf of the Finance Committee,
Steven Peters, Chair