December 15th, 2023
ROCKPOINTE FINANCIAL UPDATE
Ryan Brammer, Pastor of Ministry Support
This Fall has gone by quickly. Here we are in December, rejoicing in Christ's birth, remembering and celebrating all God has done for us, and stepping into celebration together as a church and with our families and friends. What a blessing! With the calendar year drawing to a close, it's important to talk about where we are financially and highlight what is needed to enter the New Year strong, specifically in regards to our Ministry Fund, which helps fund the operation, ministry, and personnel costs of RockPointe (an overview of this Fund can be found here).
Our Current Financial Status
Straight Line Lens
We have usual and expected expenses each month, so it is critical to monitor our financial well being from a straight line perspective. The straight line numbers give a picture of where we are at financially when we take our Ministry Fund budget, divide it by 52 weeks in a year, and calculate where we should be by mid December from a tithing and giving perspective. When we look through this lens, you can see we are substantially behind in our Ministry Fund.
Budget $1,170,000
Actual $924,632
Variance $245,368 compared to $119,468 for the 2022-23 financial year
3 Year Pattern Lens
Giving & tithing go through natural ups and downs depending on time of year. For example, we generally see a larger influx of funds around December and late Spring and generally see lower giving in the Fall. These patterns are normal and we've seen them play out year after year. With this in mind, we can also understand our financial health based on these trends, which essentially gives us a different lens to view our current giving numbers through. You will see, based on this pattern, our financial position is a little healthier than a "straight line" lens. This is because the budgeted number is determined using a weighted average that factors in these annual giving trends over the past three years. Still, we find ourselves behind where we'd like to be.
Budget $1,076,578
Actual $924,632
Variance $151,946
December Tithes and Offerings
Generally speaking, we do see higher giving in December as it is the calendar year end, however, even though we expect this pattern to play out once again, it is still critical to highlight our position, our Ministry Fund's current need, and ask for your help in finishing the year well.
On behalf of the Elder's Board, the Finance Team and the Lead Team, I am asking each of you to pray and ask God what you can do to help RockPointe start the New Year in a healthy financial position.
Year End Giving
In order to receive a 2023 charitable donation receipt, your gift must be received by the church no later than December 31, 2023. The church office at our Bearspaw site will be open on Friday, December 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for anyone wanting to drop off a last minute donation. If a donation is mailed, it will be included in the 2023 receipts as long as it is postmarked by midnight on December 31, 2023.
Click here to learn more about different ways to tithe at RockPointe
Make a one time donation here.
Thank you!
I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank all those who faithfully tithe and give. What a blessing it is that you partner with RockPointe in this way. To all who tithe and give what they are able, thank you. To all those who prayerfully ask God about this, thank you for being a person of prayer and listening to God's prompting. To all those who pray and fast on behalf of RockPointe, thank you.
RockPointe exists because of the faithful tithing of God's people, so please consider helping us finish strong this December - and thank you for all the tithes, offering, and gifts you are able to give.
Praying a blessing on each of you as you continue to celebrate Christmas.
See you this weekend at the RockPointe Christmas Production!
