A Mid-Year Update

When the fiscal year started in October 2023, we were so excited to see what was in store for our church, fully believing God was doing something special in and through Sunridge. As in years past, we based the budget projection on data, trends, and faith. Equipped with this essential information, we increased the overall budget by 3% to increase ministry efforts while reducing compensation and operational costs. As April comes to a close, we can see the fruit of our efforts. The financial team finalized the numbers for March, providing us with some fantastic mid-year statistics that we want to share with you.

Attendance

We track attendance. The usher team takes a head count in the Worship Center each week, and our check-in system tracks the children’s attendance. If you’ve been in the Worship Center or Children’s Ministry rooms lately, it’s no secret that guests check us out each week. We are growing. How much have we grown? Here’s a comparison of attendance to last year for the same period (October – March):

• Adults +21%
• Children +37%
• Overall +22%

Giving

Because Jesus was the ultimate giver, as we grow in his likeness, we cannot help but become generous givers as well. Learning to trust God with your finances, especially during times of economic instability, is difficult for many. That’s why we don’t guilt or pressure anyone to give – it’s between you and God. But it is an indicator of growth, trust, and obedience.

Tracking statistics like giving allows Sunridge to make wise, informed decisions about managing the resources God has entrusted to us. Here are the latest giving statistics for the first six months of the fiscal year.

Giving Units

The term “giving unit” sounds clinical and lacks the intent of the heart of those who worship God with their tithes and offerings. However, for the purpose of analysis, it is a term used to identify an individual or family that generously donates to what God is doing at Sunridge.

• October 2023 – March 2024 = 257
• October 2022 – March 2023 = 264
• A decrease of 7 giving units or -3%

If you call Sunridge home and are ready to trust God with your finances, click here to learn how to donate and support what God is doing in and through our church.

Total Donations

The data shows that the number of giving units decreased nominally in the first six months of this fiscal year compared to the same period last fiscal year. While the number of giving units stayed relatively flat, giving increased by 8%.

• October 2023 – March 2024 = $722,415
• October 2022 – March 2023 = $665,960
• An increase of $56,454 or +8%

Miscellaneous Operational Updates

In addition to growing attendance and generous giving, Sunridge continues to improve in several areas:

• High School Pastor: During the Christmas offering, Sunridge asked for funding to hire a full-time high school pastor because we understand the importance of reaching the youth in this valley, and Sunridge, you stepped up and gave. Since then, we have engaged with Vanderbloemen and begun the pursuit of a full-time high school pastor. Please continue to pray God brings the right person into this position.
• Workday: Sunridge scheduled another all-church workday to enhance the curb appeal of our parking lot. The workday was a massive volunteer effort that included cooking and serving brats, painting classrooms, and spreading the rocks (that were so generously donated) to make our church shine for Easter and beyond.
• Office Carpet: Did you know church office carpeting was 20 years old? Did you notice that the sentence was in the past tense? Yes, a very generous donor paid to put the same carpet we have throughout the church in the offices! On behalf of all the staff – a very heartfelt thank you!
• Parking Lots: Many of you have asked what’s going on with the sale of the parking lots. In October, we received an offer and, after some negotiating, settled on a fair price. The potential buyer needed to move quickly and requested a rental agreement until escrow closed. Long story short, the sale did not go into escrow, and we are working with an attorney to evict the people on our lots. Please pray this drama ends in May and that we can continue to pursue the sale of the lots.

Sunridge, thank you for your continued prayers, volunteering, and giving. We are thrilled we get to do this with all of you – the Body of Christ.