A Word from Our Treasurer: Final 2021 Financial Assessment

During the fourth quarter of 2021, all parties to the financial health of Washington Avenue Christian Church continued to exceed expectations. As we closed out the year, we ended with a carryover balance of $68,634, up from our third-quarter 2021 balance of $66,936. Way to go church! This balance is unprecedented and will stand us in good stead as we move into 2022 and beyond.

As an overall assessment, 2021 was a great year financially for Washington Avenue Christian Church. We surpassed our estimated annual income from you, the congregation, by $12,719 (plan $310,964, actual $323,683). We also received $33,027 from the federal government through the Payroll Protection Program as part of the Covid-19 relief efforts. Finally, you continued to support unbudgeted outreach efforts by giving $29,745 to our 13 Special Offerings and other designated outreach gifts throughout the year.

On the expense side, we underran our planned expenses by $13,271 (plan $323,615, actual $310,344). This was due to several factors: continued good stewardship by all of our program committees; some personnel changes; and, a rather significant change in the phasing of our annual insurance premiums that resulted in a one-time savings in 2021.

So, 2021 was a great year! What a great formula—exceed planned income and underrun planned expenses. A heartfelt, “Thank you!” to all of you.

Dan Walker

Treasurer