A Message to the Congregation on the 2025/2026 Proposed Budget

This past year has brought financial challenges—but also steady, faithful progress. Together, we are moving toward a more sustainable future—one that aligns our financial life with the mission we believe God is calling us to live out in this place and time.

The 2025/2026 Budget: A First Step Toward Long-Term Vitality

We are presenting a balanced budget for the coming fiscal year.
This marks a major shift from last year’s approved budget, which included a $67,000 deficit.
In preparing this year’s proposal, we have:Kept expenses lean, mindful of current giving levelsMade strategic choices to position us for long-term healthTaken the first steps toward diversifying our income streamsWe are deeply grateful for the Endowment’s support in sustaining our ministry during challenging seasons. Even so, we are setting a clear goal: to reduce our reliance on Endowment support for operational expenses by at least 20% over the next three years. This will allow the Endowment to focus more fully on capital improvements and ministry initiatives in the years ahead.A Season of Intentional Commitment
This budget is more than numbers—it’s part of a larger framework we are building for the next five years. We are entering a season that will require both financial discipline and meaningful sacrifice as we take faithful steps into the future together.

Here are four areas of focused work that support that larger vision:

1. Responsible Stewardship
We are launching a more intentional stewardship initiative, guided by the Missional Business Services (MBS) report and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Cultivating Generous Congregations cohort.
2. Strategic Property Use
We are conducting a full review of the Row House LLCs, including revenue projections, expenses, and tax implications, to better understand their role in supporting long-term sustainability.
3. Equitable Shared Use
We are reassessing shared expenses with ministry partners to ensure fairness, clarity, and alignment with our mission.
4. Innovation in Mission: Exploring Social Enterprise
Through Building for Hope, we are exploring social enterprise—creative, mission-aligned uses of our physical space that respond to real community needs and help sustain our ministry. We are listening closely and moving thoughtfully as we join God’s ongoing work in our neighborhood.This budget is not the finish line. It is a faithful, deliberate step—a way of saying we believe God is not finished with us, and we are preparing, together, for what comes next.

Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, and your commitment to this shared journey.
  
  Proposed TBC Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26

The Finance Committee (FC) and Administrative Board (AB) are posting the budget for our upcoming fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2025 and ending on June 30, 2026.  The highlights of the budget were presented at the last Quarterly Business Meeting with questions raised and answered.  The budget will be posted for a 2-week period (6/11 – 6/25) during which time you may ask questions, seek clarification, and vote on the proposed budget.  Click here to access the budget.  Copies have also been printed and made available in the back of the church sanctuary.  The FC and AB will be available to answer any of your questions. 

To vote electronically, please Click Here. Remember you must be a member of the church to vote and please only vote once. (Paper Ballot or Electronically)

Please feel free to email any questions to Margaret Ailes at mlailes@hotmail.com and/or see Dan Herman and Nathan Ritchie.  We look forward to hearing from everyone in our church community.

Voting will end on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

B&G Update: Atrium Project

4/16/2025

Atrium Roof Replacement Progress Report

Our atrium roof replacement work has begun!!  The crew has already identified the leak that was causing moisture damage in the parlor bathroom and have patched that leak.  We are off to a good start!

We ask that you keep praying for the atrium roofing project, praying specifically to keep everyone doing this work safe.  

Notes to consider:

  • The scaffolding has been installed in a way that allows entry into the building through the alley entrance and access to the elevator.
  • Signs and cones will be in place for safety purposes.
  • The scaffolding will be locked when the construction crew is not on site to prevent children and other potential daredevils from trying to climb the scaffolding.
  • There will be no roofing work done on Friday, April 18th or Saturday, April 19th to avoid any interruption with our Community Ministry efforts and Easter weekend activities.
  • There could be a day or so of work sometime over the next few weeks when the atrium is not accessible.  You will be notified in advance when that situation arises.
  • We do not know how long the roofing work will take.  We have advised the construction company not to worry about the length of the project–we are more concerned about taking time to get it right.  Your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Direct your questions to Patrick Braford, Vincent Sallie or Donna Soyars.  Patrick is our project manager, so please be sure he is aware of any concerns you may have.

Important Building & Grounds Information

*Atrium Roofing Project Update
Due to safety concerns voiced by the scaffolding company and our desire to avoid risk of interference with our duty as a voting precinct for the upcoming elections, the atrium roofing project is delayed.  We do not have a definite start date currently.  We will coordinate with Chandler Construction to also avoid any overlap with the scheduled elevator project timeline of November 7-21, 2024.  Other details remain the same:

  1. The elevator will be available during this project.Overhead protection will be in place.
  2. When work begins, we anticipate a three-week project timeline
  3. The atrium stairwell will be blocked off from use.  Users of the facility will be asked to use another entrance if possible.
  4. Signage will be present to help direct users to the elevator or to another entrance.
  5. There will be a dumpster at the Meadow Street/alley corner location, protected by plywood and with signage.This will prevent interruption of alley use.

*Elevator Control Panel Replacement Project
Please mark your calendars now—this project requires that our elevator is out of service for two weeks.  This work is scheduled for November 7-November 21, waiting until after the Presidential election to be sure that there is no interference for that commitment. 

The B&G Committee, pastoral staff, and Administrative Board are making every effort to communicate this information to all building users.  We are researching options for how we can best serve our building community during this project time frame.  More details will be provided as we get near the start of the work.  Please keep reading the TAB for updates.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding as we manage these two important improvement projects.Please direct any questions you may have regarding these building initiatives, or any other suggestions regarding our facilities, to Donna Soyars at soundsidedfs@gmail.com

Meet Rev. Rancy Zarr, Pastoral Intern

Experience is a vital component that shapes individuals in their personal, professional, and spiritual journeys. As I reflect on my own life, I realize the profound impact that my background in theology, coupled with my diverse experiences in pastoral ministry, leadership roles, and academic instruction, has had on shaping me into the person I am today. My name is Rancy T. Zarr, born in Zwedru, Liberia. I am married to Edith Zarr, and we are blessed with two children, a daughter and a son.

My higher academic journey began at the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, where I pursued a Bachelor of Theology from 2006 to 2010. This foundational higher education equipped me with a deep understanding of theological concepts, biblical studies, and practical ministry skills. Subsequently, I am pursuing advanced degrees at the Union Presbyterian Seminary in the United States, obtaining a Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) which started from 2023 and will end 2026. These degrees focus on enhancing my knowledge of Christian education, leadership development, and pastoral ministry, providing me with a broader theological framework to engage with contemporary issues in the church and society.

In terms of practical experience, I have served in various leadership roles within the Baptist community in Liberia. As the Moderator of the Grand Gedeh Baptist Association from 2006 to 2010, I oversaw the coordination of local churches, facilitated training programs for pastors and lay leaders, and promoted unity and collaboration within the denomination. Subsequently, I served as a Pastor of the St. Simon Baptist Church in Monrovia from 2010 to 2012, where I ministered to a diverse congregation, provided pastoral care, and organized community outreach programs. Additionally, I served as the Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Zwedru, Liberia, from 2017 to 2023 after serving as assistance pastor for over 10 years with said church

Furthermore, I have been actively involved in leadership positions within the Liberia Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, serving as the County Vice President from 2017 to 2023. In this capacity, I participated in strategic planning, resource mobilization, and advocacy for educational initiatives within the Baptist community. Additionally, I have shared my knowledge and expertise as a Lecturer at the Grand Gedeh County University in Zwedru from 2018 to 2022, where I taught courses in theology, ethics, and church history, mentored students, and facilitated discussions on the intersection of faith and society.

In terms of skills, I have honed strong written and verbal communication abilities in English, enabling me to articulate complex ideas, engage with diverse audiences, and communicate effectively in various settings. My passion for evangelism and mission has driven me to engage in church planting initiatives, outreach programs, and interfaith dialogues, fostering connections and collaborations with individuals from different religious backgrounds.

When reflecting on my achievements, one notable highlight is my participation in an Interfaith Religious panel on Peace and Security, where I contributed to discussions on promoting religious tolerance, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding efforts in post-conflict settings. This experience reinforced my commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, promoting social cohesion, and advocating for peace and justice in a diverse and often polarized world.

In terms of interests and hobbies, I am a traveler who enjoys exploring different cultures, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and broadening my horizons through new experiences. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through fitness activities is a priority for me, as I believe that physical well-being is intertwined with spiritual and emotional health. Furthermore, my passion for reading and literature fuels my intellectual curiosity, inspires critical thinking, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of human experience.

In conclusion, my academic background, professional experiences, leadership roles, and personal interests have shaped me into a well-rounded individual with a passion for service, a commitment to faith-based activities, and a desire to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. The diverse experiences and skills that I have acquired along the way have enabled me to navigate challenges, foster connections, and engage with the world in a meaningful and purposeful manner. Looking ahead, I am eager to continue my journey of growth, learning, and service, guided by a strong sense of purpose and a deep-rooted faith in God’s transformative power.