FINANCIAL UPDATE - FEB 2026
Hello Church Family,
I’m thrilled to share some helpful information with you that will set the stage for the year of ministry ahead. First, below is the in-service announcement on how year-end giving finished in 2025. I know that seems so long ago, but in case you missed it, you’ll find this encouraging. THANK YOU for being part of God’s amazing provision.
Now, from a stewardship perspective, here is where we are headed in 2026.
2025 ACTUAL INCOME / MINISTRY FUND
$2,153,568.132026 ANNUAL BUDGET / MINISTRY FUND
$2,022,500.00DIFFERENCE
-$131,068.13 (-6%)
Explanation. This year we are budgeting 6% less than what we received last year. The reasoning is pretty simple. We operated most of 2025 in a budget deficit, and it wasn’t until an historic year-end giving that we found ourselves with a budget surplus. It is unwise to believe this same type of giving will take place again in 2026 (but we will be thrilled if God decides that it will happen again). We believe that a conservative budget is the best plan for this coming year.
Here is the budget breakdown for this coming year:
What this budget allows. This year, we can keep pace with rising costs with staff salary increases and can continue to cover the increases in health benefits. Our staff will look similar to years past, with some modest additions being invested in our Maintenance and Production departments. We also want to start getting caught up on areas of our campus that have been neglected because of budget constraints. With the surplus we witnessed this past year, we have an opportunity to tackle some bigger projects, such as addressing a broken sound system in the South Auditorium and exploring solutions to permanently fix our leaky roof and faulty siding on the west wall. We’ll keep you posted as we make decisions.
What this means for you. Being a healthy church requires all of our members being engaged. As it pertains to stewardship, we need everyone to be active and intentional with their giving. This is a perfect time to review your giving habits and prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to guide and adjust your practices as He sees fit.
JANUARY GIVING REPORT / MINISTRY FUND
January Budget: $135,000.00
January Actual Giving: $134,620.24
Difference: -$379.76 (-.028%)
FEBRUARY GIVING NEED
$145,000
FINAL COMMENTS. Most importantly, please be in prayer for us as we prioritize needs and continue to maximize the opportunity to lead people to pursue a Jesus-first life. We’re already off to a hot start as we are encouraged by a robust participation in Men’s, Women’s, and Student Ministries, and especially by what God accomplished in the lives of our students at their Winter Camp this past weekend.
AND that’s it for now. Please let me know if you have any questions (john@mstar.church). If you would like to give to the ministry of Morning Star Community Church, you can do so by click the link below.
Looking forward to another great year of ministry.
In all things, Jesus first!
John Jaskilka
Executive Pastor
