Each fall we ask for everyone’s pledge of financial support for the upcoming year.  With the total pledges projected, the finance committee works closely with our support and program staff to create a budget for the upcoming year.  The budget is based upon actual pledges received in conjunction with a financial formula based upon the giving patterns of previous year.

As with any budget—whether church, business, or home--there are fixed expenses as well as variable expenses.  In creating the church budget, we address the fixed expenses first.  These are the items that must be paid for first, including, but not limited to power, gas, water and insurance.  Monroe FUMC has quite a bit of heated and cooled space, so these numbers add up quickly!

All these fixed expenses enable us to open our doors for worship and allow the church to host over 500 separate meetings and events per year, including all of our worship services, Bible studies and many other Christ-centered activities for children, youth and adults.

One the fixed expenses have been address, then it’s time for us to approach the variable expenses.  This is when the budgeting process become s personal and gratifying.  Once the church has met its fixed expenses, remaining funds are used to feed the hungry, help find work for the unemployed and help provide basic medical care through our close partnership with FISH.  We are also able to provide assistance to The Alcove, a home for at-risk children as well as help sponsor the Phillips family who are missionaries in Bolivia.

During this stewardship season, please consider carefully and prayerfully how you will support God’s work at Monroe FUMC. The church has so many variable expenses that do so much to support the many programs and ministries in this church and community.  Your pledge, no matter what the amount, helps to make everything possible.

Your Stewardship Committee