Treasurer Letter and Impact Report
Dear St. Paul’s Family,
2025 is a pivotal year for the community of St. Paul’s as it marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of our parish in Mt. Lebanon. The longevity of our parish and our ability to withstand the many challenges over those 100 years is a testament to the dedication and financial support of those who have called St. Paul’s home.
As the current treasurer, I would like to take a minute to explain the current financial situation for our parish. In 2021, the Vestry approved a plan designed to ensure the viability of our parish for years to come. We added a third clergy position to return to our previous staffing level; and, as a result, increase the level and quality of our programming to meet the needs of our growing parish and continue to attract new members. Doing so came with the understanding that we would be operating at a deficit for a few years until membership and giving levels increased to stabilize our budget. The original plan had us operating at a loss of $93,000 in 2022, $65,000 in 2023, $31,000 in 2024, and breaking even in 2025. As of August 31, we are very close to meeting our 2024 planned budget. While this is good news, we know that 2025 will come with increased costs for salaries, benefits, supplies, facility maintenance, etc. – all that it takes to run and maintain a parish of our size.
To reach that break-even point in 2025, I ask that you prayerfully consider your ability to increase your financial support of St. Paul’s. We anticipate that our expenses will most likely increase by 7-10% in 2025. Increasing your donation by that amount, or more, will help ensure the ability to continue to provide the same level of programming and services to the parish and the wider community. Please read the 2023 Impact Report so that you can see how your gift helps St. Paul’s thrive and how we make an impact in our community.
We know that St. Paul’s congregation rises to every challenge we face. As we prepare for the 100th anniversary on December 21, 2024, we hope to secure the future of our parish for the next 100 years. I thank you for the many ways you support St. Paul’s, both financially and otherwise. I know that you will do what you can to help us meet our budgetary goals.
Our annual Giving and Stewardship Campaign will begin the weekend of October 19-20 and information about the campaign, including pledging details, will arrive in the mail. Making a pledge, rather than just placing your contribution in the collection plate each week, provides us with an idea of what to expect in the way of income for 2025. This enables us to create a more realistic and accurate 2025 budget that will meet the needs of our growing parish.
On behalf of the Finance Commission and Vestry, we are grateful for your generosity to St. Paul’s in the past and know that you will do what you can to help St. Paul’s fulfill its mission in 2025 and for the next 100 years.
With gratitude,
Paul Golebie, Treasurer
2023 St. Paul’s Impact Report
What is the impact that St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has on its parishioners and the wider community? Take a look at the statistics from 2023.