Family Church of Connecticut: A letter from Pastor Simone

It is with a full and grateful heart that I share that I will be transitioning from my role as Pastor, effective February 15, 2026.

I want to begin by saying how deeply I love this community. This role has been far more than a job—it has been a calling, a sacred space of growth, service, and spiritual family. Walking alongside you during this season of my life has been one of the greatest honors I could have received, and I will always carry this time with profound gratitude.

When I accepted this position, I committed to serving for two years, and I am thankful that I was able to fulfill that promise completely. Over these years, I have given my whole heart to this work. Every prayer, every late night, every conversation, every challenge, and every celebration has been meaningful to me. I hope you have felt my love and dedication, because they have been very real.

After much prayer, reflection, and counsel, I believe God is now guiding me into a new responsibility—one that supports my family and also serves the broader mission we all care deeply about. Beginning February 15, I will be accepting a full-time position in the World Mission Department at the New Yorker Hotel, working within its commercial operations. This area plays an important role in sustaining the work of our movement in the United States.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work closely with this team, and through that experience, I have come to see that this new path is not a departure from serving God’s will, but a continuation of it—simply in a different form. At this moment, when the need is great, I feel called to step forward with faith and trust. Because of the time commitment required, I will no longer be able to continue serving as Pastor.

Although I will no longer hold this title, I am not leaving this community. I will still be here. I will still worship with you. I will still support, serve, and help wherever I am able. The only thing changing is my role—not my heart, not my commitment, and not my love for this community.

I am also genuinely excited for this next season for our community. I believe there are

emerging leaders with fresh vision, strength, and inspiration, and I am encouraged by those who are stepping forward in this time. The Council will immediately begin a search for a new pastor and will be sharing a job description soon.

Beginning February 15, Bruce Clarke and Hector Barrantes, supported by their spouses, will serve as Interim Co-Pastors of our community. Over the coming months, they will begin inheriting the responsibilities I have been carrying and will take on the overall executive functioning of the church. I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident in their leadership during this transition.

We will also be holding a special transitional service on February 15, where we will celebrate our victories as a community in the past two years and hear from our Interim Pastors as they share their vision for the months ahead.

I know transitions can bring questions and uncertainty, but please know that everything will continue as normal for the time being. This community is deeply loved, well supported, and moving forward with care and intention.

I want to thank you—for your trust, your love, your prayers, and your support. Thank you for allowing me to grow here, to serve here, and to belong here. This chapter will always remain close to my heart, and I look forward to continuing this journey together, even as my role changes.

With love, faith, and appreciation, Pastor Simone

2025 Annual Financial Report

2026 FCCT Strategic Plan

The Year in Review Video

Annual Financial Report 2025

INCOME 2025 Projection 2025 Totals PFYdiff 2026 Est. Budget

General Donations (Tithing) $120,000.00 $ 115,284 -$4,716 $130,000

Collection/Fundraising $5,000.00 $ 366 -$4,634 $1,500

YAM/SLAM Youth Collection $2,000.00 $ 2,965 $965 $500

Holy Day Donations (for FCCT) $2,500.00 $ 1,004 -$1,496 $1,500

Music Ministry, Books, etc. $700.00 $ 10 -$690 $100

Blessing and Family Minstry $1,000.00 $ 920 -$80 $1,000

Sunday Lunch Ministry (Food) $1,000.00 $ 536 -$464 $700

Cheon Shim Won $500.00 $ 304 -$196 $500

Bank Interest $0.00 $ 737 $737 $1,000

Rental Income $ 8,055 $19,200

Security Deposit $ 1,000 $800

Other / CheonBo $0.00 $ 24,119 $24,119

Total Income $132,700.00 $155,300.00 $13,545 $156,800

2026 Expenses EXPENSES PFY Budget 2025 totals PFYdiff Budget

Sunday Service $19,200 $18,220.00 $1,133 $20,200

Witnessing $1,450 $2,320 $303 $2,350

Youth Programs $4,200.00 $2,576 $1,750 $4,200

BFM $4,650.00 $6,283 -$196 $6,650

Payroll $58,311.00 $67,335 -$8,720 $75,134

Administrative $9,400.00 $4,922.00 $4,309 $6,950.00

Tithing to HQ and Region $24,340 $31,572 -$5,076 $26,000

Property Exp (after Aug) $0 $3,443 -$3,443 $7,340

Total Expense w/o Funds $121,551.00 $136,671.00 -$9,940.00 $148,824.00

Net Income (Loss) $11,149.00 $18,629.00 $7,976.00

2026 Description BFY Budget Balance Allocation

ACLC Income $1,000.00 $1,714.00 $1,000.00

ACLC expenses $1,000.00 $1,500

ACLC Balance $1,714.00 $1,714.00 $2,714

Youth Education Fund $1,000.00 $- $3,965.00 $1,000.00

Youth Education Fund Disbursements $0.00 $- $0.00

Youth Education Fund Balance $1,000.00 $4,965

Investment Return. Apartment and CheonShim Won 6.97% Annual Profit/Investment Amt.

Property Estimate Actual Diff 2026 Budget

Property Income $8,000.00 $8,000 $19,200.00

Initial Purchase Price $137,000.00 $141,182 -$4,182

HOA Fees $2,100.00 $2,625 -$525 $2,100

Electricity/utilities $0.00 $182 -$182

Remodeling Condo/Maintenance $15,000.00 $23,911 -$8,911 $2,000

Real estate purchase costs/Taxes $3,000.00 $2,194 $806 $3,240

Subtotal: Property Expenses $157,100 $170,094 -$12,994 $7,340.00

Surplus -$4,994.00 $11,860.00

Reserved for Security Deposit 1000 $1,000 $800

Bank Account Balances Balances Reduced due to property purchase but still very healthy 12/31/2024 12/31/2025

Checking $59,614 $25,558

Money Market Acct. $171,153 $50,000

Total Balance $230,767 $75,558

● Income Increased by $17% ● Tithing was $7,000 short of goal ○ 2024 Income: $131,576 ○ Average of $9,607/Month ○ 2025 Income: $153,687 ● Payroll was higher than expected ● CheonBo Event brought in $24K ○ 10% pay increase and Health ● Expenses were as-expected at Insurance costs

$128,048 ● Donations from other sources ● Purchase of Apartment was lower than expected completed and is producing (Collections, books, Holy Days, income of about $1000/month etc.) ● Overall savings of about $6,000 ○ Not including property purchase

Family Church of CT Strategic Plan 2026 (Draft)

What aspects of our church do you value the most?

What area of church life would you like to see strengthened?

Family Church of CT

Worship is at the heart of our identity as a church. Through the survey, our congregation expressed a strong desire for more engaging, intergenerational worship experiences and clearer communication about what is happening in the congregation.

Worship Services Moving forward, we will focus on creating worship services that are spiritually enriching, culturally inclusive, and welcoming to all ages. We will increase youth participation throughout services and provide consistent, accessible updates so that all members stay informed and connected.

Recommended Actions: 1. Integrate intergenerational elements into worship and make this a regular feature of most services. 2. Ensure the weekly bulletin and digital announcements reflect the theme of each service to help prepare the congregation. 3. Launch monthly worship themes beginning January 2026.

Congregational Needs Connected to this area • Better communication & organization • Greater engagement with young people & families

Small groups are essential spaces for deeper connections

Small Groups through authentic fellowship, and personalized spiritual growth—areas our congregation identified as high priorities. In response, we will expand its small group offerings to include prayer circles, Bible studies, theology-focused groups, and life- stage gatherings. Improving communication around meeting times and group opportunities will ensure that every member can find a spiritual community that supports their growth. Recommended actions: • Launch three new small groups (These could be prayer- focused, learning-focused, or life-stage based). • Provide training and resources for small group leaders by mid-2025. • Send monthly communication highlighting group schedules, meeting times, and upcoming events.

Congregational Needs Connected to this area • Deeper spiritual growth opportunities • Education & theological study • Better communication & organization

Survey results revealed a strong desire for deeper connection Fellowship & and a greater sense of belonging, especially among young families. To nurture this, we will prioritize fellowship

Relationships opportunities that bring people together across generations and cultures. Through family gatherings, community meals, newcomer pathways, and intentional relationship-building programs, we aim to create a warm and welcoming environment where relationships can grow, and newcomers feel truly at home. Recommended actions: • Host monthly fellowship events, such as family nights or cultural celebrations. • Establish a newcomer welcome pathway to ensure visitors are supported and connected. • Follow up with 100% of newcomers within one week of their visit. • Conduct an annual fellowship survey to measure growth in belonging and community connection.

Congregational Needs Connected to this area • Greater engagement with young people & families • Better communication • Deeper sense of community

Outreach As Unificationists, we are called to serve our community with compassion, sincerity, and active love. Survey responses

& Community highlighted a strong desire for more hands-on service opportunities, local impact, and chances to witness through meaningful action. In response, we will deepen its outreach efforts by strengthening partnerships with local organizations, establishing recurring service initiatives, and creating more opportunities for members of all ages—including youth—to participate in mission-centered community service.in mission work. Recommended Actions: • Establish partnerships with at least three local organizations (schools, shelters, food banks). • Host quarterly service days beginning January 2026. • Track engagement with a goal of 30% of members participating in at least one outreach event annually.

Congregational Needs Connected to this area • Outreach & service projects • Engagement with community organizations • Youth & family participation in outreach

Prayer & Spiritual Many members are seeking deeper spiritual growth opportunities, including prayer groups, and shared spiritual

Growth practices. We should focus on expanding prayer gatherings, creating seasonal spiritual formation programs, and encouraging individual prayer. By centering our spiritual journey on prayer, we will strengthen as a congregation and individuals. Recommended actions: • Launch monthly prayer meeting (physical or virtual). • Create a prayer chain for all families in our congregation.

Congregational Needs Connected to this area • Deeper spiritual growth • Prayer groups, spiritual formation, discipleship • Theological study (supporting deeper understanding)

Youth & Children’s This was the highest-voted priority, reflecting a strong desire to invest in the next generation.In response, we will revitalize our youth and children’s programs, strengthen Sunday School, Ministry launch youth-led worship experiences, and create family- centered events. Supporting parents with tools for faith formation at home will also be an important part of this ministry’s development. Recommended actions: • Relaunch Sunday School with updated curriculum by June 2026 • Host monthly youth service or youth-led worship moment • Offer quarterly family-centered events (e.g., parent-child days, youth socials)

Congregational Needs Connected to this area • Engagement with young people & families • Desire for youth service, Sunday School, family events • Outreach involvement for youth

Education & Our congregation expressed a desire for deeper learning and stronger theological engagement. To meet this need, we will

Theological Studies develop structured educational opportunities that include Bible studies, theology classes, workshops, and guest lectures. Through clear and consistent communication, every member will be equipped to access and participate in these learning experiences. Strengthening our theological foundation will help us grow spiritually, think critically, and live faithfully. Recommended Actions: • Provide at least two theological workshops or guest lectures annually • Launch a quarterly Divine Principle or Bible study series (e.g., book studies, thematic studies, spiritual disciplines) with rotating facilitators to encourage broad participation. • Develop a resource library (digital or physical) with recommended books, study guides, and theological videos to support ongoing personal learning.

Congregational Needs Connected to this area • Theological study • Spiritual growth • Better communication/organization