A Letter from our Finance Manager
Updated: 6 hours ago
Dear Friends,
It was a busy summer! While summers are usually a time when church life slows down, the summer of 2026 was anything but quiet. We were blessed with higher average Sunday attendance than in recent years, a wonderfully successful community yard sale, and several youth events. I thought I would recap just some of the ongoings here at St. Paul’s this summer:
May was full of activity! We held the Annual Parish Picnic at Longleaf Park, Brendan hosted a Robert Winston Memorial Organ Recital, Father Lee entertained all with a concert with some of our youth members at Bowstring to support the Glory Ridge trip, and we celebrated the ordination of our new Bishop, Sarah Fisher.
We stayed busy into June, hosting a very successful yard sale, Summer Arts Camp at St. Andrew’s on the Sound, several from our church attended the annual trip to Glory Ridge, we had a Night at the Ballpark (albeit HOT!), and we welcomed Nick Kohlmann as our new curate.
We tried to keep cool in July with an ice cream social and in August hosted Youth Week. We held the annual Blessing of the Backpacks and crossed the $100k mark for supporting NourishNC.
Year-to-Date Activities & Financial Information:
Construction & Facilities Update
On October 11, a Congregational Meeting was held introducing the Chambliss & Rabil team and providing an update on progress to date and current financial position. Below is a link to the livestream as well as a link to the handout provided.
We have formally signed a contract with Chambliss & Rabil for Phases I and II of our renovation. Active work is already under way.
Narthex Restroom: Construction has begun, with completion expected before Christmas.
Church: Demolition and vital shoring work are currently taking place underneath the main Church building.
Main Ramps: Construction on the main accessible ramps is scheduled to begin right after New Year’s.
We anticipate the entire renovation project will wrap up in the third quarter of 2027. While we are navigating both a timing and funding gap to manage construction cash flows, we are moving forward with confidence. As you begin your year-end tax and financial planning, we ask that you prioritize your annual stewardship pledge to help keep our foundation strong. If you are in a position to also help close the renovation funding gap, please let me know.
Operating Fund: YTD Financial Snapshot (as of Sept 30, 2026)
Our total pledge target for 2026 is $650,000. As of September 30, we have received approximately $506,000 in pledge payments. While we are more than 75% there, we remain deeply thankful for your continued commitment during these final months of the year.
Total Revenue: $746,400 (Primarily pledge payments and gifts, along with $91,000 from legacy/special funds and $39,000 in carry-over funds from 2025). Fulfilling remaining pledges will minimize our need to draw further on legacy funds.
Total Expenses: $720,300 across all ministries, staffing, and facility operations.
Net Operating Position: $26,100 net revenue over expenses.
Below is a snapshot of year-to-date expenditures across our ministries:
Year-End Outlook: To finish out 2026 fully funded, we anticipate utilizing approximately
$100,000 in legacy gifts alongside ongoing pledge receipts. Because expenses remain
disciplined and under budget, we expect pledge, legacy and gift revenue to cover our
operational needs through December 31.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As Stewardship Season begins, please mindfully consider your financial commitment to St. Paul’s for the coming year. Every gift—whether a first-time pledge, a faithful renewal, or an increased commitment—sustains our shared parish life. Your annual support enables us to care for our church and parish hall, support our dedicated clergy and staff, and expand our outreach ministries.
If you have any questions about ways to give, tax-wise strategies, or year-end donor options, please reach out to me directly.
We are so grateful for your support; you truly make everything we do possible.
Warm regards,
Lynne
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