Each new year, every United Methodist church is required to turn in their statistical report for the previous year on what is known as “Check Day.” The statistics include data on worship attendance; membership; participation in educational programs; mission involvement; men’s and women’s ministries; stewardship and more. This information is being compiled now, so it’s not complete, but since this will be a “Vision Sunday” coming up, I thought today would go ahead and share some of these numbers with you.
6,873-the current membership of St. Luke’s at the end of 2023. That represents an overall increase of 67. We had 31 confirmands join last year, 21 new members by profession of faith, 23 by Reaffirmation (or renewal of membership), 54 who transferred from other UM churches, and 27 from other denominations. 17 withdrew their membership last year, 25 transferred to other UM churches, 1 to another denomination, and 46 members died in 2023 (our recognition on All Saints’ Day was much larger because many were constituents who were active in St. Luke’s but never became members).
2,673-the average attendance at Sunday services. This is an increase of roughly 4% over 2022. But the big news here is the surge in attendance in the last five months. From September-December we grew by close to 15% year over year, and that trend has continued into 2024. In January we were a little more than 8% above January 2023! Over half of our attendance (53%) was online, 1,411, which grew about 8% over the online attendance in 2022.
130-The average attendance at Midtown, which started with about 75!
5,923,683-Total dollars given to St. Luke’s in 2023. This is a more moderate number, an increase of total giving by just .003% but still an increase. We exceeded expenses by $37,189.
17,500-dollars given by United Women in Faith to local church and community needs.
1500-people engaged in missional service.
10,000-estimate of people served in our community through St. Luke’s.
34,000-dollars given to UM causes through St. Luke’s.
These are awesome numbers! Thank you for a great year and a great start to 2024.