Our Revenue (one category at a time)

General Revenues:

Through our envelopes, Pre-Authorized Remittances, online giving platforms, our collection plate on Sunday morning and cheques dropped in mail from time to time, we collect “unrestricted revenue”. That is to say, money that can be used for the general operation of the church (inclusive of any or all its ministries) as the board deems appropriate. These monies are apart from our Thrift Shop Ministry and apart from monies that come in with a designation or restrictions — our Refugee Funds are a good example of that.

Last year we took in +/- $134,879.547 in this category of income.

Why +/- ???: Always at year end, there is some accounting and movement of money into different pockets (called Y/E Adjustments to correct posting errors, or late entries that did not get captured before the preliminary set of statements was posted)

This category of income (OFFERINGS) is particularly important to a church because it represents the ‘members’ commitment to the mission as a whole. By committing to regular unrestricted giving to the general fund, the contributor is saying ‘I believe’.

  • I believe in the sacred work we are doing here
  • I believe in the mission
  • I believe in the leadership
  • I have faith that God/Love is at the center of what we do
  • I believe that my contribution to my community of faith makes a difference

The ‘regular offerings’ is also where some of our greatest potential for growth comes. When someone becomes part of one of the activities/programs/ministries of our seven-day-a-week church, they can be given an opportunity to learn about and support the vision of the whole.

We have so much anecdotal information about people who are inspired by their experience of James Bay United. They say things like: ‘I’m not religious, but there is something special happening here that I can’t quite grasp — and it’s wonderful!’ These neighbours that we have touched in so many differing ways can be given the opportunity to sustain and grow the vision and mission at James Bay United. They will find themselves richer for having been asked.

Talk again soon,

Gordon Miller
treasurer@jamesbayunited.com

Ministries And Programs
JBUC Office