We also continue to see growth in giving: our giving this year is 5.5% ahead of last year. We’ve been able to budget at a loss for the past few years because of some strong giving toward our Strategic Ministry Fund and our Memorial Fund that have given us the necessary reserves. These reserves have allowed us to budget for future growth.

However, we plan to use a considerable amount of those reserve funds on several capital projects over the next two years: a new roof, new HVAC work, repairing and seal-coating the parking lot, and the shade sail project over the playground—which was recently completed.

We decided to make these moves now because it was wise stewardship to do so. Our council wisely chose to make these moves now, instead of putting them off, because it saves money to do so.

For example, initially, we expected that the new roof alone would cost us $250K. However, thanks to some hard work done by Pastor Kurt, Council, and others, all of these projects together total about $221K, well under the original estimate for the roof, alone.

Now more than ever, it is time for us to more intentionally close that gap between projected giving and projected expenses. This is especially the case since we will no longer have the generous cushion, once provided by the Strategic Ministry Fund and the Memorial Fund.

One of the ways we have sought to close this gap is by cutting costs. Next year’s budget—which begins on July 1—is about $5K smaller than the current year’s budget. Along those lines, our staff has chosen to forego salary increases for the coming year.

The other way we can close this gap between income and expenses, of course, is to see a continued increase in giving. To do this, we need to increase our giving by 7.8% over the current year’s giving. And remember, we are already 5.5% ahead of last year—so we can do this!

Based on the average number of households that give on a monthly basis, to effectively close this gap, we need each household to give an additional $56 per month.

This is our challenge and our invitation.

I truly believe in what God is doing here at The Grove Covenant Church.

I believe we offer something unique to the larger Body of Christ in Tippecanoe County, and, as we pursue God’s purposes together, who we are and who we are becoming will impact our community, our congregation, and our world.

We need all of us to do our part to see that happen.

It is true that not all of us can afford to increase our giving by that $56 a month. I understand that. If that is true of you, then I ask you to prayerfully consider what you are able to do.

Likewise, there are some who could increase giving by even more than $56 a month.

Wherever we find ourselves in these things, the Apostle Paul teaches that we should give according to what we have, not what we do not have.

We have recently made things a bit easier than, so you can now contribute to the offering using The Grove Covenant Church App. If you don’t have our app, yet, you can get it by going to thegrovecov.church/app.

Just click on the giving button on the first screen of the app and you will find several convenient ways to give. If you currently give using the link on our website, you can, of course continue to do so.

Our invitation to you is to prayerfully consider this challenge over the next week or so, and let us know where you land. You can let us know by going to thegrovecov.church/challenge and answer two very brief questions. You can also click the button at the bottom of this page.

Please note: this survey is 100% anonymous.

This is simply a way for all of us to engage in the challenge and make a commitment as God leads. The data collected will help us better pray and plan for the year ahead.

So, as we head into a new budget year, thank you for taking time to read this article and for prayerfully considering these things and you part in them.