Financial Update | Q1 2025
Financial Update
Experiencing God in new places
Christ Church is experiencing a season of flourishing. From our youngest disciples who just finished their first year of preschool to the opening of the new LIFT Market at the Butterfield campus that provides food and resources to those in need. The generous giving from the congregation makes it possible for people in the congregation to grow in faith, help meet the basic needs of those in our surrounding neighborhoods and provide life-changing love to others across the country and around the world.
Here are just two accounts of how God has moved in the lives of others in the last few months:
Radiating hope in Kenya
I had the privilege of visiting Mathare Community Outreach (MCO) Schools in Nairobi, Kenya, where Dotun Modupe, one of our global partners, is serving. Mathare is one of Nairobi’s oldest and most densely populated informal settlements, with most of its residents surviving on less than $2 a day.
As we stepped inside the classrooms, the sounds of life surrounded us—the scent of street food in the air and children’s laughter echoing between tin-roofed buildings. Inside those classrooms, I was met with bright eyes, and a chorus of children reciting Scripture with passion. As I looked at those children, I found myself asking, “How can they lack so much and still be so full of life?” Almost on cue, the class began reciting Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” At that moment, I realized that these children are not defined by poverty, but by dignity. For in a place so often labeled “hopeless,” they radiate hope. They carry dreams—for their education, for stability and for a better life. But more than that, their story carries a strength that made the walls around them feel like a sanctuary. —Maryclare Beche, Director of Global Relationships
Growing through prayer
As a newer member of Christ Church, I have signed up to serve in ways that I can give back what I have so freely been given. Hearing about the volunteer opportunities in the LIFT Market, I thought hospitality would be where God wants me to serve. He knows how much I love people and how much I love to smile.
I attended a training session where we talked about how important it is to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable and, as we sat and talked with the guests, to ask if there was anything they needed prayer for. I felt so bad but had to ask, "what should I do if they do want someone to pray for them?" I did not know how to do this, and it made me nervous. I was told to let one of the leaders in the room know and they would gladly come over to pray with the guest.
I was introduced to one of the first guests and we sat down at a table waiting for her name to be called. After explaining the market process to her, I asked if there was anything or anyone we could pray for and she said yes, she just lost her sister and her nephew to illness. I was a bit taken aback, overwhelmed with sadness. We gracefully reached out for each other's hands over the table, I closed my eyes and asked God to please come into my heart and speak through me. I could not believe how I knew exactly how to pray over her! I was not nervous, and I knew God was with me. I feel a bit more comfortable each time God gives me the opportunity to pray over someone. He is so amazing! —Linda Olszewski, LIFT Market volunteer
Resources
Financial Statement
This season of ministry and mission would not be possible without your financial support. Although the actual revenue is tracking well over budget based on historical congregational seasonal giving patterns, as compared to a recent revenue budget that is spread evenly over 52 weeks, our actual YTD revenue is under budget by $572,540. Expenses are tracking slightly over budget by $179,815, resulting in a net deficit of $715,350. As planned, we utilized some of the prior year surplus, and the Board approved use of Institutional Funds to pay down the church's mortgage by $2 million as part of the LIFT Initiative. Please join us in praying that our congregation's hearts will be moved toward generous giving so Christ can meet the needs of others through Christ Church's ministries and programs.

Where Does Your Giving Go?

* Ministry includes supporting worship and programs that help adults and children draw closer to God.
** Mission Partners supports more than 65 local and global ministries. The planned 2025 spend is consistent with prior years.
*** Capital Expenses supports the funding of our mortgage, building improvements and the completion of the LIFT initiative, including the $2 million paydown of the church mortgage.
Being Faithful
Being a faithful steward of your financial contributions to the life of the church is essential to my role as the Accounting Director at Christ Church. I am passionate about utilizing our given resources to make the most effective impact for our Christ Church community as well as with our mission partners both locally and globally. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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