What
Next year Bethany is shifting its fiscal year end from December 31 to June 30. In order to make this shift Session will budget for the next 18 months, and then begin the new 12 month budget cycle starting in July 2019.

Why
This change will improve the budget planning process and help session in the preparation and implementation of the budget. Historically Bethany sees a large shift in gifts and budget needs near the calendar year end. Shifting our budget cycle will help the church be better prepared for peaks and valleys during the year.

How
Bethany will run an 18-month budget from January 2018 through June 2019. The new regular budget cycle will begin with a 12 month budget starting July 2019 through June of 2020.

Your Estimate of Giving
Bethany is asking that all those who commit to giving provide an 18-month financial estimate for Bethany’s temporary 18-month budget cycle.  You may find it helpful to take the amount you would commit to give for 12 months and multiple by 1.5 to account for the additional 6 months.  Consider the fact that your pledge will be for next year 2018, and half of 2019. Your estimate helps session form a budget, but the church understands that finances may change in the next year and a half. (As usual, pledge commitments or estimates of giving can be adjusted at any time.)

Your estimate of giving will help Bethany budget from January 2018 through June 2019.  A regular 12-month budget cycle will then start on July 1, 2019.