August 6, 2021
Dear First Pres Family,
Thank you to all who have financially supported First Pres Berkeley so far this year. Your faithful generosity has enabled us to continue our life-changing ministries in the midst of an incredibly challenging year. God is good!
Here is a mid-year financial update:
- Our General Fund giving is up about 10% compared to last year due to so many of you fulfilling your pledges earlier than in years past. If we keep this up, we might even have a drama-free December! If you have been giving online this past year, we encourage you to continue to do so even as we return to in-person worship.
- For the first time in years, our expenses are on track with this year’s budget and better align with expected revenue. Thanks to your generous pledges, offerings, and our revised budget, we are truly living into a more sustainable future. As we look ahead and pursue even greater financial health and stability, we are working on plans to pay off our mortgage loan. Stay tuned for more on that.
- Our $724,000 Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan has been forgiven! The PPP loan we received last year allowed us to maintain staff and wages for church, Cornerstone, and Berkeley Christian Counselors staff for three months last year. We are so thankful for this provision.
Thank you again for all the ways you love concretely, even when it is risky; serve generously, whoever has need; and pursue God’s restoring justice in Berkeley and beyond.
With grateful hearts,
The First Pres Stewardship Committee:
Jason Draut, Chair and Elder
Barbara Brenner Buder, Elder
Sherry Dabney, Treasurer
Paul Davis
Bill Lambert
Braden Molhoek
Caroline Sallee, Elder
Charlene Han Powell, Senior Pastor
Sue Burger, Executive Director for Operations