Answer #1 (Stay UMC)
The church income for 2022 was $3,534,719 and Operational Expenses were $3,487,547 leaving the church with a positive balance for the year of $47,172. Revenues are expected to decline in 2023; therefore, efforts will have to be made to reduce expenses to remain within the level of church giving. We will always work to maintain a balanced budget. It’s difficult to predict at this point what would be required to support that goal.
Answer #2 (Pro-Disaffiliation)
This is impossible to answer based upon a lack of current information. We do know the financial situation is deteriorating (please see specific numbers in answer #2 for question 4.) We are over $2.4 million in debt for the new property, which also has a hefty property tax burden. Unless we can turn the membership drain around, there is a point where the expenses to maintain a physical plant, such as we have, becomes an issue.