President’s Perspective
On June 29, 2025, the Budget Committee and Church Council presented a balanced budget for the upcoming fiscal year (July 2025 - June 2026) to the Voters Assembly. This presentation included both financial updates and ministry highlights from the past year, underscoring our ongoing commitment to Zion’s mission, ministry, and facility maintenance. To view the entire presentation, go to the zlcb.org website and the member documents.
We are pleased to report that weekly giving has increased for the fiscal year. The Preschool was able to increase tuition. However, overall expenses continue to rise for the Church and Preschool. Thanks to the strong oversight provided by the Council, Boards, and staff, our finances are being managed effectively.
The Preschool remains financially sound, and we are excited to welcome over 160 students again for the upcoming school year. We can take pride in the fact that Zion continues to offer a high-quality, Christian-based education to our community. Let's not forget VBS, we will share Jesus with over 90+ children in the local community.
During the Voters' meeting, we also reviewed key decisions to balance the budget and a list of deferred major projects. The Council will be discussing the possibility of whether to explore the potential for launching a capital campaign.
Key Decisions to Achieve a Balanced Budget:
Deferred certain major Trustee projects.
Projected a modest 2% increase in CMS giving.
Transferred funds from the Elders Discretionary Fund to support Bridge Builders ministries.
Allocated funds from the Preschool Growth Fund to replace outdated PreS staff PCs.
Implemented a 2.5% cost-of-living salary increase, with additional salary adjustments recommended by the HR Committee, to align Preschool staff compensation with Eastern District and local market standards.
Covered the rising costs in utilities, maintenance, third-party services, and general goods
The balanced budget reflects both financial stewardship and a commitment to our mission: Zion equips, educates, and encourages believers in Christ, sending them into the world to share the Gospel.
Trustee Wish List (Future Capital Campaign Consideration):
Sanctuary A/C – Replace the aging unit in the northeast corner of the sanctuary
Parking Lot – Repair cracks, reseal, and repaint
Preschool Carpet – Professional cleaning
Fellowship Hall Lighting – Replace fluorescent fixtures with LED lighting
Atrium Roof – Replace overhead windows with a solid roof to resolve persistent leaks and mold issues
Retaining Walls outside of Fellowship Hall – Replace deteriorating masonry walls
Choir Loft A/C – Replace the portable unit with a permanent system
Special thanks to our Budget Committee: Bill Bishop, Jon & Connie Canale, Mike Debowski, Doug Krantz, John Migyanko, Megan Pasquini, Mary Lou Rilee, Deborah Sterba, Mike Wallace, and special thanks to Jim Oelschlager, our dedicated Church and Preschool custodian, for his daily efforts to maintain our facility.
We are grateful for the congregation's continued support as we move forward in faith, stewardship, and service. Thank you for making our ministry possible.
In Christ’s service,
Bob Schmidt Congregation President
