It was a year in which COVID-19 left its mark on much of American life, and it left its mark on the Church, too. Emerging from lockdowns and layoffs early in the year, Sabbath services began to return to somewhat of a “norm,” and the Church was able to observe all the fall Holy Days, including the Feast of Tabernacles, without interruption.

In the summer of 2021, the lingering coronavirus rose again, disrupting some Sabbath service schedules and leading us to realize that the world will not return to the “normal” many had hoped it would.

As we exit our fiscal year 2021, we find ourselves in a new, uncertain world. So much has changed in the last 18 months. Nothing that seemed stable or reliable then still seems that way. The coronavirus has changed things permanently.

Again, we learned that there is one constant—one absolute Rock and Fortress we can rely on who can see us through rough times, pandemics, changing political environments and anything else that might come our way.

The story of the Church’s fiscal year 2021 is God showing His presence and showering His blessings in ways we could not foresee.

Despite global uncertainty and setbacks, the Church had a very strong financial year, with more than $21 million in income, up nine percent over the prior year. We see God’s hand in our finances, and we are grateful to Him and to the faithful members, coworkers and other donors who have supported this work.

Final numbers for fiscal year 2021 will be released after the completion of the annual audit, which was conducted during the week of Aug. 16, 2021. The complete audit report will be published in the January-February 2022 issue of United News, but allow me to provide just a few highlights.

The increase in income was mostly in the “core” income categories of first tithe and offerings (General Contributions), up seven percent over the prior year; the Festival Fund (up 15 percent) and Holy Day offerings (up 13 percent over the prior year).

Because of the effect of COVID-19 on travel and meetings or assemblies of all kinds for a good portion of the year, overall expenses for fiscal year 2021 were down from the prior year and budget. As a result of higher income and lower expenses, the Church’s excess of income over expense was quite “healthy.” God has indeed been faithful to His Church in blessing us and putting us in a strong financial position.

Please join us in prayer as we seek God’s will for the use and proper stewardship of the funds that He has provided.