Today at our annual congregational meeting, the OSC members present unanimously approved the proposed Board slate and budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, which begins July 1st. Below is a recap of the items discussed:
Membership growth
OSC has enjoyed significant growth over the past several years, with active households increasing from 109 at the end of 2022 to 150 at the end of 2023 for a combined total of 305 active adults and children. This growth is a result of our collective efforts and commitment.
We don’t dwell on attendance or membership numbers. Our purpose is not to be a bigger church. But this is a significant milestone. By having grown past 300 members this year, OSC has more active members than ever in its 149-year history. As far as we can find from our archives, the last time our church had 300 members was during the early 1960s, at the peak of Mainline Protestant Christianity. This is a testament to our shared commitment to creating an inclusive space of worship where we can focus on making a positive impact for good in our community.
Our 150th anniversary year
Our historic congregation began in November 1875, meaning 2025 will mark our 150th anniversary! We are planning several events and gatherings to celebrate throughout 2025, culminating in a 150th anniversary celebration weekend on November 8-9th, 2025.
December 2025 also marks the end of our current five-year Mission Commitment. Parallel to our anniversary celebrations, we will spend 2025 working together as a church to discern our priorities for the next five years, from 2025 to 2030. We look forward to your participation as we dream as next stage of life.
board of elders approved
We also presented our nominations for the Board of Elders for the fiscal year 2024-2025, which was unanimously approved by the members present. There were no Board vacancies this year. However, three members were in expired terms and nominated for successive terms: LeeAnne McInerny was approved for her second term (3 years); Dan Omniewski and Nathan Short were both approved for their third terms (3 years).
Click here to see the full FY 24-25 Board of Elders nominations.
budget approved
For fiscal year 23-24, our total revenue was $475k, which exceeded the total budgeted revenue by $40k and exceeded the prior year's General Contributions by $46k. This reflects a 14% year-over-year growth rate in general contributions. Overall expenses for FY 23-24 came in slightly under budget at $434k.
For FY 24-25, we are projecting 7% growth in general contributions for a total budgeted income of $473k and budgeting expenses of $457k. We plan to continue saving in a long-term high yield fund for expected contingencies, especially building expected roof replacement in the mid-term future. This budget includes pay increases for all staff, either through increased pay rates or increased hours, and the addition of a $12k allocation for health insurance for Co-Lead Ministers Jason and Jenell Coker, who are our only full-time, exempt staff members.
taking over “The Collective Table” podcast
One especially exciting development shared today is the recent opportunity to take over the operation of The Collective Table Podcast, a long-running progressive Christian podcast birthed here in North County. OSC’s Family Minister, Claire Watson, has been involved as a host and producer of TCT for several years. Recently, the podcast founders, Dana Black and Chelsea Simon, approached OSC leadership about taking over this nonprofit ministry. After a period of discernment, which included the Board of Elders, we have accepted this opportunity and look forward to further developing this ministry to serve the needs of local OSC members, Community Groups, and members at a distance through storytelling, author interviews, online teaching, and other creative content.
Thank you!
Huge thanks to everyone in the OSC community for your support and engagement in our community of faith! We look forward to seeing how the Spirit of God is leading our community in the coming year.
Blessings,
Jason & Jenell Coker
Co-Lead Ministers