Bethesda's annual budget is set at the Annual General meeting in January of each year.  The fiscal year actually goes from December 1 through to November 30th of the following year.  The 2007/8 budget was cast at a bare bones $43,400.

The Budget is broken into 5 main areas - Revenue and 4 areas of expense -  Occupancy costs (Heating,taxes, etc),  Maintenance costs, Ministry costs and Operating costs.  Each of these areas have sub categories.  The main 4 areas of revenue are retreats,   regular offerings, fund raising and receipted donations.  The main utility expenses are oil ($1700), telephone ($1,200), insurance($3,000) and Hydro ($5000).  The main operating cost is Salary and Rental Allowance for the Host Family ($14,000). The main general expenses are taxes ($5000).

As of July 31st, 2008 (Our fiscal year 70% completed), Bethesda revenue is at 55.0% and expenses at 80.0% of the projected budget.  We show fiscal responsibility by not spending what we don't receive.  We have endured significant repair costs this year and are using up the capital we gained from selling 5 acres in 2007.  The following table shows the year's Bethesda budget summary.  We are in the red with some money in our reserve. We are blessed with retreats and bookings a few each month through October.  Our monthly obligations to keep the ministry open is $2700.  Please prayerfully consider helping out with a donation now.  We ask that you read our appeal letter and fill in the pledge form as God leads you to support Bethesda. 

Bethesda’s financial needs are met by the contributions of its regular members and supporters, and by those individuals and groups who use the retreat facilities.  As a faith ministry, which is committed to ensuring accessibility for all, we rely on our guests to determine the contribution they are able to make towards the use of Bethesda.  It is our hope that Bethesda would be available for all who desire to come, regardless of their financial situation. Consequently, the lack of financial means for anyone should not be a deterrent. 

We encourgae people to pray and ask God what He wants them to give, but when we are asked, based on costs to run the ministry and annual occupancy rates, we suggest a donation of $40 or more per person per single night and $35 or more per person per night for multiple consecutive nights.  Day time use during the week, we suggest $110 or more and day time use on the weekends, we suggest $150 or more.

Since our revenues often do not meet our expenses we encourage those who are in a position to do so to be more generous so that your additional offerings will compensate for those who are in a less favourable position.  Bethesda is a non-profit charitable organization and is pleased to offer a tax receipt for any donation over $10.00.

Registration # 867947970 RR0001