Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 financial update discussion and potluck. We know not everyone was able to attend, so we wanted to share a simple recap of where Faith UMC stands financially and what our updated numbers mean for the church.
Where We Stand Today
As of September 11, 2026, our books show:
- Revenue received: $115,032.57
- Expenses paid: $85,965.19
- Current result: +$29,067.38
That is our financial position based on what has actually been recorded so far this year. It is important to remember that this does not mean we have $29,000 sitting in the bank as unrestricted cash. Timing of income and expenses, designated funds, and other financial commitments all affect our actual cash position.
How Has Our Outlook Changed?
When the 2026 budget was originally approved, we projected:
$118,380 in revenue
$142,598 in expenses
Projected year-end deficit: $24,218
Our updated reforecast now projects:
$153,557 in revenue
$142,049 in expenses
Projected year-end result: +$11,509
In other words, our financial outlook has improved by approximately $35,727 compared with the original budget.
That is a significant change.
What Changed?
The biggest change has been on the income side.
Our updated projections include:
- Offering income: up approximately $14,931
- Designated giving: up approximately $10,373
- Fundraising income: approximately $10,509
- Miscellaneous income: approximately $1,914
- Interest income: up approximately $99
- Rental property income: projected approximately $2,375 lower than originally budgeted
On the expense side, our overall projected spending is actually slightly lower than the original budget—about $549 less.
That means the improved outlook isn't coming from one dramatic expense cut. It is primarily the result of stronger-than-expected income, combined with careful attention to spending.
So, What Is a Reforecast?
A reforecast isn't a new budget carved in stone. Think of it as our best current estimate of where we will finish the year based on what we know today.
We've replaced some of our original assumptions with actual 2026 numbers and updated our expectations for the remaining months of the year.
That makes the reforecast a planning tool—not a guarantee.
There are still several months of 2026 ahead of us, and both income and expenses can change.
What Does This Mean for Faith UMC?
Most importantly, we are in a different position than we were when the 2026 budget was created.
Our original budget anticipated ending the year with a deficit of more than $24,000. Our current reforecast anticipates ending the year with a modest surplus of about $11,500.
That is encouraging—but it does not mean our financial challenges are over.
Faith UMC still needs to be thoughtful about spending, continue growing our regular giving, and find sustainable ways to support the ministry and building God has entrusted to us.
This is also why our Here for Good campaign remains important.
Here for Good
Our goal with Here for Good isn't simply to raise money for the sake of raising money. It is about helping Faith UMC remain a healthy, active part of the Eyota community for years to come.
We want to:
- Maintain our church property.
- Strengthen our financial position.
- Continue and expand ministry opportunities.
- Welcome new people into our church community.
- Build a financial foundation that allows us to look beyond simply getting through each year.
We've seen what can happen when a small church community comes together. The improvement in our 2026 outlook reflects the generosity, participation, fundraising efforts, and stewardship of many people.
The Bottom Line
Original 2026 budget:
$24,218 projected deficit
Actual result through September 11:
$29,067 positive
Current 2026 reforecast:
$11,509 projected surplus
There is still work to do, but there is also reason to be thankful.
Thank you to everyone who has given, volunteered, participated in a fundraiser, supported our ministries, prayed for our church, or simply continued to show up.
Faith UMC is still here. We are still serving. And together, we are working to keep Faith UMC Here for Good.
Questions about the church's finances? Please reach out to the Finance Committee at faitheyotafinance@gmail.com. We want our congregation to understand where we are financially and to be part of the conversation about where we go from here.