“God is doing a new thing!”
16 This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:16-19
As we worked on the financial report and the 2024 budget, the finance committee and trustees’ members realized that God is doing something new! A vital congregation is one “that is inspiring through worship; involves disciples in small group ministry to connect, learn, and grow; engages disciples in community hands-on mission; inspires disciples to give generously, especially to mission; and makes new disciples who make disciples of people who join the church.” (gnjumc.org/fivemarkersofvitality)
Undoubtedly, Butler United Methodist Church is a gifted congregation that shares its gifts within herself and the community, and that we score highly in most areas, especially in mission, is not a surprise. However, perhaps unknown to some, Butler UMC has been struggling to meet the budget at the end of the year for a few years, making her financial stability questionable. The budget has been satisfied for quite some time by consistently tapping into resources within the church’s investment and endowment accounts.
Numerous factors contribute to the demise of finances with the pandemic season, mainly being one of them. Some churches suffered greatly during the pandemic because they did not have a cushion to fall on and bounce back. Other congregations have been living off endowments and other investment accounts, have not found their way back to what was once “normal,” and are now having serious conversations about the future.
We have had to cut back on a few line items, and the church treasurer has worked tirelessly with the budget and has recommended areas in which we can cut back while supporting other significant missional life-giving areas. This has been a learning experience for us, as the finance committee lacked the leadership structure to support the treasurer’s work. With a new finance chairperson, finance secretary, and newly elected members to finance, along with our treasurer, we have a relentless team working together that meets regularly. Trustees have a team working together in creative ways and have involved community members to work alongside us to maintain the ministries and missions of the church! We have newly trained leaders and volunteers who creatively share their gifts and graces. We have small groups with church and community members excited to join and participate in Butler UMC’s programs and Bible studies. Our Administrative Council members represent our diverse congregation and work together enthusiastically!
And this is where you come in, and you are why we believe that God is doing a new thing! Your generosity through 2023 has supported and maintained the mission and ministry of the local church, the global church, the service to the community, and the day-to-day operational expenses needed to maintain the building in optimum condition so that BUMC’s ministries continue! We could not have done this without you! We are so grateful for your ongoing support and joy-full giving! For the first time in a long while, there has not been a need to satisfy the budget with funds from the investment/endowment accounts! Is God able? Romans 10:11 says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
The year 2024 is here, and with it comes the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives, the life of the church and its purpose, and the mission field that God is calling us to serve. And, (Ephesians 3:20) “by the power at work within us, God is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen!”
Are you ready for all God has in store for us, the church, and the Butler community in 2024? “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Have a blessed and healthy 2024 filled with hope, peace, joy, and love in our Lord Jesus Christ, you and yours!
With a grateful heart,
Pastor Iraida