Dear Friends and Family of Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, 

Your Leadership Board has been assessing our history, mission, and current financial situation in order to continue serving God and neighbor. 

As you may know, our finances were negatively affected following the disaffiliation vote in 2023. Over the past three years, despite our congregation’s generosity and budget reductions, inflation, rising insurance costs, operating expenses, and maintenance costs have caused us to operate with a General Fund budget shortfall of $35,000 to $50,000 per year (6% to 9% of General Fund budget). Additionally, we are anticipating a mortgage rate increase in 2027. For these reasons, the Leadership Board continues to be concerned about our declining cash position.

Moving forward, we have committed to live into a breakeven budget in order to safeguard the long-term health of our church. With a renewed financial focus, we are prioritizing our ability to continue serving Christ as His church through our worship, studies, services, prayers, and mission work within our community. 

It is our goal and priority that our financial situation does not negatively affect our programs, mission, staff, or outreach. Based on the recent Church survey, the congregation and staff also envisioned several projects to enhance our ministry. 

We invite you, our members and friends, to help us eliminate the General Fund budget gap in 2026(which we estimate will be approximately $40,000) and strengthen our financial foundation moving forward. Your increased support—through regular giving, a special gift, a prayerfully considered 2027 Estimate of Giving, and volunteering will allow us to improve our finances, care for our facility, and continue the ministries that matter most to our congregation and community.

This is a moment of shared opportunity. We are committed to providing regular updates on our progress. We look forward to walking in this season together as we create stability for the future God is still writing for      Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church. 

With much appreciation, 

Charlie Lucy, Chair
The Leadership Board of Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church