Dear Connect Church Family,

Greetings and blessings as we begin a new year. I want to wrap up our communication on 2024 Connect Church finances and set the financial table for 2025. In mid-December I reported to you that as of the end of October, Connect Church general fund giving was running about 25% below budget. I am pleased to report that by December 31, 2024 we brought that shortfall down to a little over 12%.  Since it was still $160,000 below budget, your Elders and Finance Team brought a Revised Combined 2025 General Fund Budget to the February 16, 2025 Business meeting in the amount of $1,102,196. Which was approved. That’s about 85% of the 2024 Budget and about 97% of the actual giving for 2024. Leadership is optimistic that our giving will exceed the budget and allow us to replenish cash reserves and anticipate staff pay raises in 2026.

With the new year budget set, your Finance Team thought it would be a good time to begin providing a monthly giving report to the congregation. So, starting here we will provide you the following summary report:

Weekly Average General Fund Tithes and Offerings

Compared to Budget

For the 4 weeks ended January 31, 2025

Budget Needed Each Week

So Far This Year Average Actual Received Each Week

% Over (under) Budget

Guntersville

$13,894$12,812-7.8%

Albertville

$2,636$1,786-32.3%

Arab

Total

$21,196$19,254-9.2%

May you have a blessed and prosperous 2025,

Leon Hicks

Treasurer & Elder