Dear Friends of Trinity Wilmette,

This year has been an exciting time of faithful ministry and steady progress—and now we find ourselves approaching the finish line of our fiscal year with both gratitude and a clear invitation.

When we adopted our FY25–26 budget, we anticipated drawing $320,000 from our reserve funds.  As of today, we have used $160,000.  While reserves can serve an important purpose, we also recognize that this level of reliance is not sustainable for the long-term health of our church.

There is encouraging news.  Through careful expense management and your generosity, we are moving in the right direction.  As of the end of March, giving exceeded expectations by $39,000.  That is a meaningful sign of shared commitment to Trinity Wilmette’s mission.

Now, we have an opportunity—together—to go even further.

Help Us Cross the Finish Line

We invite you to make a special, one-time gift (above and beyond your regular pledge or annual giving) to help reduce our need to draw further from reserves before the fiscal year ends on July 31, 2026.

To make this tangible, we are offering a simple way to participate.  “Buy a share” in the ministry areas that matter most to you.  Each share represents a direct investment in the life and ministry of Trinity Wilmette:

Ministry Areas You Can Support ($500 for Half Share or $1,000 for Full Share)

• Faith Formation ($5,000 – 5 shares needed by July 31)
  Children, youth, and adult discipleship; Christian Educator leadership
• Worship and Music ($25,000- 25 shares needed by July 31)
  Music staff, guest musicians, instruments, and worship resources
• Congregational Care ($24,000 – 24 shares needed by July 31)
  Pastoral leadership, care ministries, and intern formation
• Administration ($11,000 – 11 shares needed by July 31)
  Office operations, technology, and communications
• Building and Grounds ($32,000 – 32 shares needed by July 31)
  Facilities care, utilities, maintenance, and property stewardship
• Miscellaneous Mission Support ($30,000 – 30 shares needed by July 31)
  Apportionments, outreach, events, and essential shared costs
  Click to Order Shares

Every share—no matter the category—supports the whole ministry of Trinity Wilmette.  You are not just funding a line item.  You are sustaining worship, nurturing faith, caring for people, and equipping our shared mission.

Why This Matters

Reducing our reliance on reserves is not just about balancing a budget.  It is about strengthening Trinity’s future so that we can continue to serve faithfully, respond to new opportunities, and remain a vibrant witness in our community.

With your help, we can finish this fiscal year strong.

If you are able, please prayerfully consider how many shares you might support and which ministry areas you feel called to invest in.

Thank you for your generosity, your faith, and your partnership in this ministry.

Grace and peace,

Brian C. Smith, Senior Pastor
Tom Board, Finance Chair
Bob Wulff, Stewardship Chair
Anne Mason, Church Council Chair