ASBURY FIRST MONDAY READER | NOVEMBER 2, 2026

CONTENTS:

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE by DAWN RIEDY and TIM MAHAN

OLDER ADULT AUTUMN GATHERING by DAVID STITH and ELIZABETH CHURCH

Financial Sustainability Update:

2026 Pledge Fulfillment & 2027 Budget Details

What you will learn:

• Why 2026 pledge fulfillment is so important
• More information about the proposed 2027 budgets
• How you can help

2026 Pledge Fulfillment

Throughout the year we have carefully managed our expenses (thanks to the efforts of countless volunteers and staff!), staying on budget for both the General and COC Budgets. Even our overall Facilities & Custodial expenses- which have been problematic in the past—have remained on budget. This is great, good news.

Thanks to your generosity our year-to-date income for both budgets has also been strong (also great, good news)- but our work is not yet done. An important part of financial sustainability is ensuring that each year our year-end total income matches our year-end total expenses. To accomplish this, 2026 pledge fulfilment is vitally important.

As of October 26, pledge balances (pledged dollars not yet received) are still significant: $336,843 for General pledges and $76,520 for COC pledges. For everyone able to do so, please fulfill your 2026 pledges. If you have questions about your pledge balances or payments, please email John Ormsbee (jormsbee@asburyfirst.org) or call the church office (585-271-1050).

2027 Proposed Budgets

This update builds on the information shared in the October Financial Sustainability Update.

Many staff and volunteers are working diligently on your behalf to finalize the proposed 2027 General and COC Budgets, and we continue to look for opportunities to reduce costs wherever possible. 2027 Budget drafts are now available for your review: General Budget draft, COC Budget draft

In these drafts, you will see notes indicating where there is still work ongoing. These proposed budgets require $1,500,000 in General pledges (by Dec 15) and $320,000 in COC pledges (also by Dec 15). The 2027 General and COC Budgets will be finalized after Dec 15 pledge totals are known.

How You Can Help

• Stay informed, ask questions and share your ideas
• Attend the Church Conference & Town Hall on Nov 15; during our time together, there will be an opportunity to address questions you may have about 2027 budget development
• Pledge to the General and COC budgets by December 15, 2026

For more information about the proposed 2027 budgets: November Financial Sustainability Update FAQS

We welcome your questions, ideas and feedback. Please reach out to finance@asburyfirst.org.

With gratitude,

Dawn Riedy, Finance Committee Chair 

Tim Mahan, Financial Sustainability Task Force Chair

If you're having trouble with any of the PDFs linked in the article above, please reach out to communications@asburyfirst.org and we will send you files that work for you. Alternately, pick up a hard copy of this update and all supplimentary materials at the Welcome Desk on Sunday.

Last Thursday, our Older Adult Autumn Gathering brought together a wonderful crowd at Asbury First for worship in the sanctuary followed by lunch in the Gathering Center. Over the past few years, this dedicated group has kept growing, and gatherings like this are warm reminders to make time for one another.

Led by Pastor Dee Finch and Barbara Eltinge, along with a committed team of volunteers, our Older Adult Ministry serves 60 to 100 participants year-round through communion services, luncheons, and special events that nurture faith and fellowship. Thank you to our volunteers and to everyone who joined us. Your lifelong contributions helped build this church, and we’re grateful for you.

Photos by Elizabeth Church and David Stith.

Would you like to submit a story for inclusion in a future Monday Reader? Please do! 
We'd love to hear from you. Email David Stith at dstith@asburyfirst.org to get started.