“We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.” – (2 Corinthians 8:20-21)

Our time, treasure and talents belong to God. We believe that these resources should be offered joyfully, allocated effectively, and used with absolute integrity and transparent accountability on our part.

We have a duty to manage the financial resources entrusted to us with faithfulness and should be held to a higher than human standard, because we are God’s stewards. To reach this standard, we established the following budgeting and reporting processes:

• Monthly – All transactions, income and expense reports, bank statements, and balance sheets are reviewed by competent banking and accounting professionals. The Executive Director and Finance Committee Chair give a status report with financial data to the Ministry Council. The Finance Chair is a permanent member of the Ministry Council.

• Quarterly – We mail giving statements to donors for use in checking against personal records and to ensure that gifts are being used as intended. Donor records are kept strictly confidential.

• Annually – Staff, Finance Committee and Ministry Council prepare an operating budget that is presented for congregational review and affirmation. Our financial records are reviewed by an outside, independent public accountant.

We welcome inquiries about our financial practices. Copies of the operating budget for the current fiscal year and the most recently reviewed financial statement are available by contacting our Business Administrator, Kathy Butler, at 703-430-2203 or by email at kathy.butler@galileeumc.org.