A November Wall Street Journal article noted that the pandemic reduced the size of worship on Sundays from 50% to 70% across the nation. We are indeed much smaller than in 2019. This reality isn't easy, but it is not unlike what companies and associations of all types face. Society has changed.
Lakeside has always had a lean budget. Our costs break down to about 52% staff costs, 33% building costs, and about 15% for everything else from materials to office costs. In general, we need about $30,000 a month in giving to break even with spending. Thankfully God has provisioned us through 2021 by your generous giving, cost savings, fundraising, and help from the federal government.
Nevertheless, our average income has also dropped due to our smaller size. For example, we now average around $22,000 a month in giving (a shortfall of $8,000). We can not sustain running a deficit indefinitely. Therefore, we are asking you to prayerfully consider increasing your pledge and giving in 2022 to ensure that we can keep our staff and ministries intact.
Thank you for taking the time to pledge.