Dear Vine Congregation, We are halfway through 2026, and the Vestry would like to share an update on our church’s financial position. We appreciate your partnership with us in the mission and vision of this congregation. While we do not want to cause anxiety, we do want to clearly communicate our current financial situation. At our annual meeting at the end of last year, we presented a 2026 “stretch budget” that included an increase in the budget for tithes for the calendar year 2026. This budget also anticipated a continued need to supplement tithes with savings account transfers from our Building Fund into our operating account—a backstop we always intended to be temporary as we transitioned to new leadership and a new season for our church. Many of you have faithfully maintained or increased your giving. However, we are facing a budget gap. As of June 30, 2026: - Total tithing is currently 27% behind budget projections and approximately $5,000 behind 2025 tithing for the same time period.
- Prudent spending has kept expenses 15% under the budgeted amount.
- There remains a $14,000 deficit between budgeted net results and actual net result; an average of approximately $2,300 per month.
As we have met together this year to pray and discern God's vision for The Vine moving forward, we've sensed the Lord clarifying our direction under the theme "Roots Down, Walls Down" — deepening our rhythms of prayer and community and making marked progress in discerning our long-term home in Haywood County. This is a season that calls for real stewardship: not anxious giving, but generosity that matches the hospitality we're being called to extend. Please pray with us in faith for the financial provision we need to be faithful to this next step. And if you consider The Vine your church home, please prayerfully consider giving or increasing your giving as the Lord leads you. Feel free to direct any questions you may have to any of the Vestry members, who serve alongside you as volunteers with a deep belief in and commitment to God’s work among us. We appreciate your engagement with this congregation and always appreciate hearing from you. Bryan Friesen
For The Vestry | 
