year has been marked by meaningful ministry, heartfelt worship, and a passion to reach our community and the world for Christ. Week after week, we continue to see lives changed, new families getting connected, and members stepping out in service. God is moving in our church, and we are grateful to be part of His work. Every ministry we offer, every mission effort we support, and every opportunity we have to disciple and care for others happens because our church family faithfully serves and gives. Each member plays a valuable role. Scripture reminds us that the body of Christ is strengthened when each part does its part, and your generosity is vital to how Highland remains strong and healthy. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving is more than a nancial decision. It is an expression of worship. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from the Lord and that His mission matters more than anything else. Your faithful giving fuels ministry, supports missions, and makes an eternal difference in the lives of people near and far. As we look toward 2026, we ask every member to prayerfully support the Proposed Uni ed Budget. Our budget re ects both faith in what God will continue to do and responsibility in stewarding His resources wisely. Consistent, prayerful giving allows us to strengthen existing ministries, reach more people, and respond to needs with con dence and love. Thank you for your continued commitment to the mission of Highland. The days ahead hold great promise, and together, we believe God will do more than we can ask or imagine. Let us move forward with faith, generosity, and a shared desire to serve Christ by helping people Connect, Grow, and Go. May the Lord bless you richly Highland family as we serve Him side by side. Your Pastor, Total 2026 Unified Budget $770,331.90 Monthly Need $62,325.00 fi 2.45% fi fl Total Annual Increase fi Highland Baptist Family,
2026 Annual Budget Cooperative Program $29,628.15 Benevolence $1,500.00 Baby Closet $6,000.00 Beds4Kids $2,000.00 ActNow Missions (Local) $4,000.00 National Missions $2,500.00 International Missions $4,000.00 TOTAL $49,628.15 Missions Increase Percentage/Budget Percentage 1.51%/6.44% Why We Give to the Church Why do we give to the church? Great question! It started a long time ago when I was a boy. I feel like the Lord pursued after me even as a child. I don’t have any great examples except to say I just wanted to please him. I didn’t give on a regular schedule as a child, but when I went to college and started receiving a regular income, the desire was on my heart to start giving monthly. I wasn’t sure how much to give, but I knew the Bible talked about a “tithe” or a tenth. So, that’s where I started. But the Lord was working on my heart about giving legalistically (out of obligation as a Christian) and I didn’t want to do that. So, I made that a priority about talking to the Lord about my giving. For me, a tithe or tenth was a good solid starting point. Then when Cynthia and I got married and money was tight (“Don’t go to Walmart until the 15th when we get paid”), there was always that thought to stop giving. But we still both felt led to continue giving as we had been doing. And you know what? We did great! God has been so good to us! He truly is our Blessing! We now consider it a privilege and a joy to share God’s resources not only with the tithe but with gifts as the Lord lays on our heart! Should we all give? That’s up to you and the Lord! Talk to Him about it. Make it personal. Go with what He lays on your heart. Enjoy it. And don’t feel guilty if you start giving just a little. I have come to the conclusion that this is just another area of our life where we can learn to trust God and grow in our relationship with Him. Remember, make this personal with you and the Lord! God is so good! Steve and Cynthia Dillard
2026 Annual Budget Music Supplies $1,000.00 Seasonal Presentation $1,000.00 Choir Promotion/Activities $750.00 Piano Maintenance $600.00 Music Literature $1,150.00 Worship $1,500.00 TOTAL MINISTRY-Adult $6,000.00 2026 Annual Budget Educational Supplies $400.00 Literature $10,000.00 Worker Training $1,000.00 Discipleship $2,000.00 Senior Adult Ministry $1,000.00 Men’s Ministry $2,000.00 Women’s Ministry $3,000.00 TOTAL MINISTRY-Family Life $19,400.00 2026 Annual Budget Media Ministry $5,000.00 Outreach $5,000.00 Bible Study/Special Events $2,500.00 Ordinance Supplies $500.00 FLC Equipment $300.00 Wednesday Night Family Meal $2,500.00 TOTAL $15,800.00
2026 Annual Budget Evangelism $800.00 Worship $1,000.00 Ministry $1,500.00 Discipleship $1,200.00 Fellowship $1,000.00 Literature $500.00 Activities $6,000.00 University Ministry $1,500.00 TOTAL MINISTRY-Children $13,500.00 2026 Annual Budget Special Events $2,000.00 Kid’s Ministry Programming $4,250.00 Inreach/Outreach $400.00 Children's Camps $3,200.00 Vacation Bible School $3,250.00 Training $400.00 TOTAL Ministry Increase Percentage/Budget Percentage $13,500.00 1.49%/8.85%
Being on staff at Highland gives me the privilege of seeing rsthand the many ways our church faithfully serves our community—from the Baby Closet and Beds for Kids ministry to our Kids and Youth Ministries, Senior Adults, Women’s Ministry, and the ongoing support we offer to families in need with meals throughout the year. It is truly inspiring to witness how the Lord uses Highland to meet so many needs. As followers of Christ, we are called to bring our rst fruits to the Lord because they belong to Him (Leviticus 27:30). Obedience in giving teaches us to trust that He will supply everything we need. I’ve always believed that if we hope for the Lord’s abundant blessings, we must rst be willing to trust Him with the small portion He asks of us. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Many hands make light work.” Sometimes we may feel that what we have to give is too small to make a difference—but when combined with the faithfulness of others, those gifts multiply and accomplish incredible Kingdom work. I see this truth lived out at Highland every day. It is also deeply important to teach our children to walk in the ways of the Lord, just as Proverbs 22:6 instructs. One of the greatest lessons we can offer is the lesson we teach by example. Lance and I have always impressed upon our daughters the importance of tithing, helping them understand what faithful stewardship looks like as adults who follow Christ. They have carried that practice into their own lives, tithing faithfully since their rst jobs in high school—without us ever asking. The Lord has been so faithful to our family. I truly believe we live under His blessing when we trust Him with our tithes and offerings. His goodness is steady, and He proves Himself trustworthy again and again. Elizabeth and Lance Gowens Personnel 2026 Annual Budget Total Ministerial Salaries and Housing $152,879.39 Total Ministerial Staff Supplement $11,695.27 Total Ministerial Account Reimbursable $10,500.00 Total Ministerial Bene ts $71,931.66 Support Staff $202,229.43 Support Staff Reimbursable $1,500.00 Christmas Bonus $3,000.00 Administrative Reimbursements $22,432.00 TOTAL fi fi fi fi fi Personnel Increase Percentage/Budget Percentage $431,303.75 3.04%/55.99%
2026 Annual Budget Total Of ce Equipment $28,500.00 Total Of ce Support $12,500.00 Capital Improvements $12,000.00 Building Maintenance $24,000.00 Utilities $60,000.00 Building Alarm $3,000.00 Kitchen and Custodial Supplies $7,000.00 Vehicles $4,200.00 Insurance $70,000.00 TOTAL Category Increase Percentage/Budget Percentage $221,200.00 2.27%/23.39% Why We Give to the Church We wanted to take a moment to share the conviction behind the practice of giving tithes and offerings to our church. This practice is more than a nancial transaction; for us, it's an act of worship and a joyful response to God's love and generosity towards us. The rst reason we give is simply because God calls us to generosity in Scripture. The Bible offers guidance on stewardship, encouraging us to honor the Lord with our wealth and be cheerful givers. We hold the belief that our resources are a gift from God, and giving back a portion is a way to acknowledge His ownership and express our trust in His provision for our needs. Furthermore, we believe that God honors our generosity. Personal experience has shown the assurance that as we give, room can be made for more blessings and the experience of God's abundance in our lives (Luke 6:38). We have found this blessing is often a deeper spiritual richness, joy, and peace that comes from participating in God's work. The most tangible reason, however, is that our church's ministries are important in spreading the Good News. Our collective giving is the "lifeblood" that enables the church to operate and ful ll its mission. This support is vital for our local work in the community around 34th and Quaker, and throughout our city of Lubbock. Finally, our giving extends far beyond our immediate location. We are able to participate as partners in spreading love, compassion, and hope to those in need across our state, the nation, and the world. It is a privilege to know that our offerings contribute to vital mission work in places like Peru and Eastern Europe, making an eternal impact for God's kingdom. fi fi fi fi fi Marty and J.J. Middleton
Lubbock, Texas 79410 Return Service Requested
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