President’s Perspective
Budget Committee Update: Planning for Fiscal Year 2025–2026
The Budget Committee is working diligently to prepare Zion’s financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which spans from July 2025 through June 2026. Our primary goal is to present a balanced budget that reflects both fiscal responsibility and our mission: "Zion equips, educates, and encourages believers in Christ, sending them into the world to share the Gospel."
As stewards of the many blessings Zion has received over the years, we take this responsibility seriously. To create an accurate and mission-driven budget, we will be reaching out to every board and committee in the church and preschool to review and assess their financial needs. This includes evaluating necessary increases or reductions, proposing new projects, and aligning resources to support our members and outreach efforts. There are over 230 individual accounts that must be carefully reviewed. These accounts cover a wide range of areas, including:
Contributions
Preschool tuition
Preschool enrollment
Facility maintenance
New project investments
Charitable support
Social events
Salaries and benefits for our full-time and part-time staff members
Ministries such as Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, and Preschool
One of our most important responsibilities is forecasting weekly contributions and preschool enrollment, which plays a key role in guiding our financial planning. Your continued support directly impacts the scope of ministries we are able to sustain and grow. Without it, our ability to serve and reach others would be significantly limited. Thank you for partnering with us in this important mission.
As we move through this process, we invite all ministry groups to prayerfully consider how their work can contribute to the continued growth and impact of Zion. Together, let’s ensure that our resources are wisely used to educate, serve, and build a strong, faithful community. Thank you for your continued support, which enables us to carry on our vital ministry work.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms".
1 Peter 4:10
In Christ,
Bob Schmidt,
Congregational President
