Hello SunRise Family,
This past weekend, we had an amazing gathering and celebration at SunRise. Not only did we escape the heat and enjoy fellowship over a delicious lunch, but we also celebrated the conclusion of the Fresh Start Campaign by burning the original mortgage. God has been good to SunRise over the years, and the congregation's efforts to eliminate this monthly bill have been crucial in securing our future.
I wanted to follow up with everyone because the question that keeps coming up is, “What happens now?” Meaning, now that we have reduced our expenses by $13,000 per month, where will any excess money be redirected? Below is the game plan the leadership team has developed for handling any surplus funds going forward:
I wanted to follow up with everyone because the question that keeps coming up is, “What happens now?” Meaning, now that we have reduced our expenses by $13,000 per month, where will any excess money be redirected? Below is the game plan the leadership team has developed for handling any surplus funds going forward:
1. Recoup the losses that we have realized to date.
When the 2024 budget was approved, it was understood that surpluses in the latter half of the year would offset the losses we experienced while still paying this large bill in the first half of the year.
2. Rebuild a 3-month emergency fund.
On average, it costs around $60k/month for operations. This includes missions, ministries, utilities, maintenance, personnel, and our disaffiliation loan payment. This fund currently sits at $94k, and during the recouping process, we will allocate all surplus funds to raise that figure to $180k.
3. Grow missions and ministries, while paying down final debt, and work toward a 6-month emergency fund.
Once the $180k level is reached, any surpluses will be split in three directions:
When the 2024 budget was approved, it was understood that surpluses in the latter half of the year would offset the losses we experienced while still paying this large bill in the first half of the year.
2. Rebuild a 3-month emergency fund.
On average, it costs around $60k/month for operations. This includes missions, ministries, utilities, maintenance, personnel, and our disaffiliation loan payment. This fund currently sits at $94k, and during the recouping process, we will allocate all surplus funds to raise that figure to $180k.
3. Grow missions and ministries, while paying down final debt, and work toward a 6-month emergency fund.
Once the $180k level is reached, any surpluses will be split in three directions:
- The first is the most exciting, and something the people of SunRise have patiently waited for. We will intentionally and strategically begin to grow our missions and ministries!
- The second is paying down our final debt, the disaffiliation loan, more quickly to save on interest payments.
- The third is to continue building the emergency reserve to a maximum 6-month level.
While financial strategies may differ among individuals, the leadership team agreed that this approach was a responsible way to stewardship the congregation’s gifts. Our plan focuses on securing our future through planned savings without hoarding excess funds, understanding that our contributions are meant to further the Kingdom of Heaven.
If you have any questions about church business, please do not hesitate to contact me. I’d love the opportunity to discuss all things SunRise with you!
In Christ,
-BJ
If you have any questions about church business, please do not hesitate to contact me. I’d love the opportunity to discuss all things SunRise with you!
In Christ,
-BJ
