2025 donor report.
As we approach the end of another year, many of us consider our capacity for year-end charitable giving. Each year, we work to ensure that we effectively communicate how Commons Church has utilized your contributions and provide insight into the church’s financial performance.
We have also launched our annual Advent Campaign; you can read more about our efforts here.
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2025 was a remarkable year for Commons.
Thanks to your generosity and faithfulness, this has become one of the most exciting and transformative seasons in our history.
Expanding the Story
At our 10th anniversary in September 2024, we announced that Marda Loop Church would be joining the Commons story. With Kensington once again bursting at the seams, we are excited to imagine what Commons will look like in a second neighbourhood.
Over the past year, we explored every possibility in our new facility—facing the challenges of stabilizing an aging building while dreaming about what a revitalized presence in the neighbourhood could look like.
This fall, at our largest congregational meeting ever, we unanimously approved the budget to overhaul the facility and move toward a new parish launch in late 2026. That was exciting enough, but even more meaningful was the announcement that Bobbi Salkeld would be leading that parish. We can’t wait to see her step into this role and guide us into this next chapter in Marda Loop.
Investing in Marda Loop
There is a lot of work ahead, but we have already made tremendous progress. This summer we removed more than 15,000 ft² of asbestos-containing drywall, flooring, and ceiling tile from the Marda Loop facility. We resurfaced and re-sloped the flat roof to correct drainage issues. And we fixed cracked rafters and added structural reinforcement for snow loading, as recommended by our engineering consultants.
The building is now safe and standing, but it still needs to be renovated ahead of our launch. With an estimated fair market value of $3.9 million, our total investment of just $800,000 to acquire and repair the property represents an extraordinary opportunity. We are deeply grateful to the Marda Loop congregation—now part of Commons—and to each of you whose generosity has put us in a position to seize this moment. You can view our approved renovation budget here.
Growing Together
Sunday attendance grew another 14.8% year over year, but even that momentum couldn’t keep pace with the remarkable increase we’ve seen in kids and youth across our community. This kind of growth is exciting, but it also comes with challenges, as donation growth often trails attendance.
So far in 2025, we’ve seen a 6.7% increase in donations, which has enabled us to welcome Ben Hsu-Chan onto our staff team. Ben is helping guide our family ministries with a special focus on young adults. As we prepare for a second parish, we know we will need to continue expanding our team to support both locations well.
This year, more than 500 donors have contributed to the Commons story. Together, I’m confident we can make the investments needed for two flourishing parishes.
2025 Expense to date
Donations year-to-date: $1,077,412
Expenses year-to-date: 1,474,096 (includes $405,202 invested in Marda Loop)
Figures represent Jan 1 to Oct 31, 2025. Full audited financials will be presented at the AGM in early 2026.
Generosity at Work
On the cost side, we’ve actually reduced our expenses by 4.4% this year, despite increased attendance, and we have expanded our local and global giving outside Commons in 2025. In particular, our benevolent work in the neighbourhood—including the Commons Cupboard—has grown by more than 50%. We hope to continue expanding this benevolent footprint through our Advent campaign as we close out the year.
Looking Ahead
Once again, it truly has been a remarkable year. Your commitment to this story continues to enable us to dream big while faithfully responding to the opportunities before us.
In 2026, we expect to see more people encounter the story of Jesus, more investment in the good of our city and neighbourhoods, and more of the meaningful ministry we have been privileged to share at Commons.
Jeremy Duncan
Lead Pastor
Below are some fun stats from the year. Thank you for being part of the Commons story, and please consider how you might contribute before year-end.
