Following are some updates from The River’s Annual Meeting held June 1, 2025. Each year at the Annual Meeting, The River’s members are asked to approve the election and/or re-election of Vestry members and approve the annual budget.
Financial Update and Approval of 2025-2026 Budget
Gray Roberson, our Treasurer, provided an update on The River’s finances and presented the 2025-2026 Annual Budget to the members for approval.
With a month to go in the current fiscal year, we are projected to reach about 97-98% of our 2024-2025 budget projections. Gray encouranged us to finish this year strong so that we are well-positioned for the coming ministry year.
The 2025-2026 Annual Budget represents an increase of about 8.5% in general giving and expenses. The budget is developed each year with input from staff and clergy, taking into account possible increases in operational expenses. The Vestry reviews and adjusts the proposed budget and presents it to the membership for review prior to the Annual Meeting. The Annual Budget as presented was approved by the membership.
Rector’s Update
This past year, we have focused on creating pathways for discipleship, membership, and confirmation. For more information on these pathways, check out this page on our website.
We learned some lessons from our first offering of the Discipleship Pathway. The plan is to incorporate some changes into the curriculum and offer the Pathway in a small group setting each fall and again each spring.
Jonathan reviewed the current organizational chart outlining the responsibilities and oversight of staff, clergy, and vestry. A copy of that chart is available here for those who were not able to attend the meeting.
The past couple of years have been about “who we are.” We have improved our processes and have a great staff team in place. This year we will focus on moving to a “teams” model to help facilitate growth and identify new leaders and members. We want to be a church where newcomers can make real connections - not just a “friendly” church but a church where people can make friends.
Vestry Elections
This year, we had three current Vestry members who agreed to continue to serve. Members approved the re-election of Jen Wilsie, Sydney Beneski, and Austin Knies to serve an additional 3-year term beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028.
We appreciate Jen, Sydney, and Austin, along with Tom Sproul, Gray Roberson, Ron Bowman, and Kearah Donato for their commitment to serve The River as members of our Vestry.
Imagine Initiative Update
Ron Bowman gave a short update on the Imagine Initiative Capital Campaign and the search for The River’s permanent home.
With about 9 months to go in our three-year capital campaign, we are on track to reach our goal of $525,000. Ron thanked everyone for their generous giving over and above general giving.
The search for a permanent home for our congregation is a little more serious now that we have more funds available. There have been several promising developments in the past few months but we are still in the very early stages of our search.