Dear Brookwood Family,
The current fiscal year has introduced challenges to the budgeting process as we continue to feel the impact of the current economic environment both to our levels of giving and our increasing operating expenses. The effect of inflation has been particularly impactful to our maintenance and operations. Our current analysis projects that we will end the 2023 fiscal year with expenses outpacing our total revenue for the year. The finance committee is monitoring our financial position closely and fully believes that we will be able to fund any shortfall from the operating contingency designated account.
The attached proposal for the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget has been developed after close discussion with the leadership of our church including the leadership of our Ministers, the Deacon Body, the Church Coordinating Council as well as the Missions and Personnel Committee. Overall, the total budget is approximately $30k lower; however, you will notice that there are increases and decreases across the budget areas when compared to the prior fiscal year budget. These movements reflect our experience and expectations as to the impact of inflation primarily related to our operations and maintenance budget.
We have prayed together for wisdom as we evaluated our budgeting process this year. We know that we need to ensure that we spend the resources entrusted to us to support our mission to be “Formed in Christ” while “Loving Like Family” and “Living on Mission”. We as a financial team take very seriously our commission to manage the finances we have been charged with overseeing and thank you for the opportunity for allowing us to serve. Please pray for God’s guidance for our Church during this budgeting approval process.
Grace and Peace,
Barbara N. Pugh
Chairman, BBC Finance Committee
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.2 Corinthians 9:6-8