As this is going to be a weekly (for now) blog style of financial updates to keep us all informed about our status and financial practices, I encourage the reader to start with my message from last week. My goal is financial transparency, with accessible, easy-to-understand information so that any of us who call James Bay United Church home (regardless of which day of the week or program or activity you belong to) and want to know more, can participate in the conversation about our financial future.

If you have questions, please write to me at: treasurer@jamesbayunited.com

For this week (as promised)

How did we do last year?

  • Our current financial statements show a net loss of $13,000+-, or 3% loss compared to our annual operating revenue of $450,000.
  • Our projected (from our approved 2025 Budget) loss was $19,738 … so we lost less than was predicted. 
  • Our year shaped up dramatically differently than we budgeted for (both revenue and expenses) in part due to changes in staffing, and special appeals and unplanned expense categories. Expect a fuller presentation on those budget vs actual numbers later in March.
  • As of December 31, 2025 (less outstanding expenses) we have total cash or cash equivalents of: $327,898.86. Not all of these assets are available for our general use. Some have use restrictions and some are held in trust. A detail of these will be available mid-March.

What does the budgeting process look like for 2026?

  • We are actively engaged in budgeting for 2026. This work is about three months behind schedule. We believe that by next year, we will be able to present a draft budget to our Church Members and Adherents by December. This year, you can expect a draft budget for 2026 by … can you guess. Yup, mid-March.
  • In conversation with each ministry and program lead, we are drafting realistic budgets based on the work they hope to accomplish in the coming year. The Board and the Congregations will be asked to approve the budget in a way that commits us all to understand and embrace the vision and mission of the church and then to fund it appropriately. This will allow our leadership (paid accountable and volunteers) to move forward with confidence to deliver according to their stated objectives.

Are we going to be ok? :-)

We are planning for the future. We are doing it from a place of resource abundance. We have cash security, we have growing membership who are seeking to contribute to the whole in so many varied ways. We have a prime location, a community/neighbourhood that sees us as a valued asset they are willing to support. While our plant site is our biggest vulnerability right now, our skilled property team is planning ahead for the inevitably larger expenses. Our sights are being raised to look at longer term mission objectives and the financial plan will be there to support it.

My humble opinion - we are more than OK. And it’s because of you.

Gordon Miller

Ministries And Programs
JBUC Office