Monthly Financial Update

April 2013

April was a remarkable month at Riverside Church…as well as another “freezing and snowy month”, weather-wise!  Once again, we had some cold weeks and weekends which I know has impacted some things this month.  I am hoping that we will have an actual summer this year!

We began a new series in April called, "REALationships: Life Would be Easier if it Wasn't for People", and the response to it so far has been tremendous!  God seems to be at work in many people's lives and relationships and we are looking forward to seeing how in more ways God will be doing what only He can do in the lives of people.

Something really significant this month is that we have had a real surge in our attendance since Easter at the end of March!  To illustrate this, this past month was the highest ever monthly attendance in Riverside's history (see details below).  So was last April 2012.  But in April 2012, we had Easter attendance as one of those weekends.  So without Easter Sunday, we still had the largest ever monthly attendance in Riverside's history this past month!  To God be the glory!

We are also seeing many people take next steps in the spiritual journey.  73 children, students, and adults followed the Lord in water baptism in April!  A number of people have also either already become members or attended a recent membership class and are in the process of becoming members here.  We already have received more new members since July 1, 2012 than in any other 12 month period in Riverside's history, too.  Praise the Lord for His amazing work among us! 

People continue to say "yes" to Christ as their Lord and Savior, and that is the most exciting miracle God ever accomplishes in changing a person's life direction and eternal destiny! 

April was another very strong month financially at Riverside!  The generosity expressed in all areas (Fuel for Ministry Fund, Fuel for Missions Fund, Project Fund) was great!  We are especially excited that since July 1, 2012, there have been 222 new giving units (individuals, couples, or families) that have contributed to the ministry here.  Thank you for giving to the Lord’s work here.  It matters so much. 

The remodeling of the lower level connecting space is almost complete and people have been excited about how it helps in so many ways in our lower level.  Thanks for your generosity to the facility project fund.

And our giving to our “Fuel for Missions” (GCF) is 21% ahead of where it was last year at this time!  Generosity begets generosity. 

If you are still wondering about digital giving, let me encourage you to try this tool, as we have had so many people share with us how this is allowing them to become much more disciplined and consistent in growing in the grace of giving.  Some Sundays more than 50% of our Ministry Fund giving is given digitally.  This is a great time to "Automate the Important".  Give digital giving a try this summer.    

Thanks to all of you who give to the Lord’s work through Riverside Church.  Every week, because you give, God works through this church to touch thousands of people's lives in significant ways.  Your gifts matter both now and in eternity.

God bless you all.

Pastor Tom

Weekly Averages for April 2013

• Sunday Attendance: 1,758
• Ministry Fund (formerly the General Fund): $33,804.54 (“Column A” weekly approved budget of $25,888.13- including “Column B”, the weekly approved budget is $27,627.94).
• Great Commission Fund: $3,986.78

Note that our giving to our facility project fund is $68,898.30 ahead of last year at this time!  We praise the Lord for this generosity!

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Weekly Averages for April 2013

Financial Figures for April 2013