Financial Overview
MLUC is approaching the conclusion of the fiscal year on steady financial footing. Consistent pledge income and a successful auction have allowed us to meet operating expenses and keep our day-to-day finances stable. Most expenses have been under budget, although severe winter weather led to higher-than-expected snow removal costs, and we will continue to watch spending carefully through the rest of the fiscal year.
Strengthening Ministries and Infrastructure
This year, we continued to invest in the systems and infrastructure that support our ministry. We used reserves set aside about ten years ago for capital needs to fund improvements to our building and grounds. We also clarified our financial policies, refined our procedures, and improved our reporting. These changes provide leaders with clearer guidance, support smooth transitions in financial roles, and strengthen the church’s financial oversight and planning. We also plan to engage an outside CPA firm to conduct a financial review that will provide additional confidence in how funds are managed.
Cash Positions and Capital Reserve
MLUC maintains a stable cash position, with approximately three months of operating cash on hand to meet payroll and other routine expenses. Consistent investment returns have added to our Capital Reserve balance, and we plan to make a withdrawal in June to help pay for this year’s investments in our building improvements.
Innovation Fund and Social Justice Ministry
We are grateful to the members whose generous gifts have increased the Innovation Fund to $310,000. This year, the Innovation Fund funded a pilot partnership with the Borough of Conshohocken and neighbors in the township to support local sustainability initiatives and enhance environmental stewardship through the Green Conshy Collaborative. This first initiative reflected our deep commitment to the care of our planet and has been a trial about the role MLUC can play as a catalyst for community engagement.
Next year, these resources will provide important seed funding for future ministry initiatives, including the new Director of Social Justice position, which has been approved by the board to begin in this next fiscal year.
| Reserves and Funds | March 31, 2025 | March 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Reserves (Operating Account) | $313,835 | $270,036 |
| Capital Reserves (Building Funds) | $400,399 | $415,872 |
| Innovation Fund | $180,028 | $313,604 |
Endowment
The Endowment exists to strengthen our mission beyond what annual giving alone can support, building a legacy of ministry that will serve this congregation and community for decades. Its overall growth reflects both strong investment returns and the generosity of donors, including bequests.
Each year, the Endowment provides direct support to our ministry and operations. Last year, $97,100 from the General Fund supported operations and ministry. A distribution for the 2025–2026 fiscal year will be made in June.
Beyond the General Fund, and in accordance with donor intent, the Patzau Fund will support counseling for families and youth with Arrive Therapy, while the Greeley Fund will provide partial funding for the ministerial internship this year.
The Finance Committee, in consultation with our investment advisor (1919 Investment Counsel), monitors these assets and works to see that they are being actively managed with care and in alignment with our values amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
| Endowment Fund | March 31, 2025 | March 31, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| General Fund (Long-Term Sustainability) | $2,568,896 | $2,749,878 |
| Brad & Catherine Greeley Fund (Interns) | $148,561 | $163,498 |
| Patzau Fund (Counseling) | $45,112 | $51,266 |
| Total | $2,762,569 | $2,964,642 |
Audit Review
The Audit Team has completed its review of last year’s financial statements and reported to the Board of Trustees that they are reasonably stated and supported by appropriate internal controls. This internal review helps confirm that the systems and records underlying our financial reporting are functioning as intended.
Quarterly treasurer’s reports, financial statements, and audit reports are available on our website.
Stewardship and Giving
Stewardship is a shared ministry of invitation and growth. It includes raising funds for annual operations and ministries, encouraging broader participation in the life of the congregation, and inviting individuals and families to support the church through planned giving and estate commitments. The Stewardship Team helps guide this work by leading the church’s efforts to encourage generous giving now and to cultivate financial support for the future.
Our spring pledge drive, funding the church ministry and operations in the next church year, remains the central effort in this work. This year’s campaign, “Love Rising Up,” invited our congregation to respond to a world in need by committing financial support for the church’s ministries and values—freedom of belief, acceptance, and justice for all, especially those from marginalized communities. The campaign set a pledge goal of $800,000, with a participation goal of 100%.
As of May 22, members and friends have committed $737,840 in pledges from 219 pledging households and individuals. This total includes 66 increased pledges representing 30% of current commitments, 23 new pledges, and a one-time gift of $25,000. Our current results are a $12,840 increase over where we were at this time last year. At the end of the pledge drive, we hosted the Sundae/Fruit Bowl celebration for the generous participation of members and friends to the Fund drive. With more than 30 pledging households still outstanding, our outreach is continuing. We are excited about the strong potential to meet our pledge goal as these final commitments are made and new members join in.
In addition to these annual commitments, we continued to cultivate generosity that will sustain the church in years to come. This year, six new members joined the Legacy Circle by including the church in their estate plans. Giving through estate planning is not only a sign of deep trust in the congregation’s ministry but also a way for individuals and families to extend their generosity beyond their lifetimes and sustain the church for future generations.
Stewardship is a shared spiritual practice that takes shape all year long. It is expressed in the generosity of volunteers, the care people offer to one another, the leadership members provide, and the financial gifts that sustain the church’s ministries. Together, these gifts of time, talent, and treasure make possible the worship, service, learning, and community life we share.