August 20, 2025
Following Up on Sunday’s Parish Check-in Meeting
Did you miss the parish check-in meeting this past Sunday? Now is your chance to catch up! Were you there? Get an update!
The Parish Check-in meeting was held after worship on Sunday, August 17th. Rev. Widlake opened the meeting with prayer and extended thanks to the Vestry and its officers, ministry leads, trustees, staff, and preschool partners for their leadership and vision during the year. Vestry member Joe Wright and Treasurer Adam Yeany were then invited to present an overview of Epiphany’s 2025 budget journey and subsequent call to action for the parish. Joe began by noting several advantages that Epiphany had going into 2025, including a mortgage-free building that produces revenue through space rental and strong spiritual and programmatic leadership by Epiphany clergy and staff.
However, he noted that several challenges arose soon after the Vestry approved the 2025 budget. Inflation, escalation in utility costs, and decreased pledged giving significantly below 2024 levels meant that Epiphany’s 2025 budget was in deficit. The Vestry quickly moved to make cuts to ministry budgets, with the Worship, Parish Life, Outreach, and CYFM ministries at minimally viable levels. However, at present revenue and spending levels, Epiphany is on pace to end the year with a 2025 deficit of around $50,000.
Joe and Adam then presented the call to action: for parishioners to consider increasing their 2025 pledges. If the parish is able to realize a 10% increase in pledge income over 2024 levels, Epiphany will be much closer to a balanced budget or at least have a deficit that closely resembles 2024. Vestry members themselves have already responded to this call to action and encouraged all parishioners to prayerfully consider increasing their own 2025 giving.
Discussion and questions from attendees centered around the impact of cuts already to the 2025 budgets for ministry teams, and Vestry members emphasized the distinction between this ask for increased 2025 pledging and the 2026 pledge campaign that will kick off in the Fall.
Thank you to everyone who was able and willing to increase your pledge on Sunday! We received 21 cards for a total of $22,000! We are getting closer to closing the 2025 gap!
There is still time to update your pledge! You can reach out to Liz at churchoffice@epiphanyec.org and she can make the change for you. You can also make the change online: Update your Pledge Now. If you need help with the online process, Liz can help. You can also contact the Treasurer, Adam or any of the vestry members: Dave D., Bob O., Jeff H., Denise K., or Joe W. if you have any questions. Liz can connect you to any of the vestry members or officers.
