November 9, 2011
Dear colleagues in ministry,
Thank you for your faithful ministry as part of the body of Christ. For those of us who have the opportunity to visit different congregations across the synod it is easy to see the variety of gifts and ministries that are joined together in Christ and making a difference. There are around 31,000 ELCA Lutherans across the EWAID synod all striving to live out their faith in their community. It is a joy to be part of our wonderful synod.
In this mailing are several items:
• A resource for you to use in your congregation: two options for a Missional Spending Plan / Program Budget. This is way to present your budget so that it highlights your programs and ministries. This would be in addition to the line item budget that parishioners expect at the Annual Congregational meeting. One is a model for you to see. On the other side is a pie chart of our Synod Program Budget for a visual picture. It is easy to see how your Mission Support is used. Instructions for preparing a “Mission Spending Plan” and creating a pie chart are available www.ewaidsynod.org under the Stewardship tab.
• At the June 2011 Synod Assembly a resolution was passed to support Campus Ministry. You may want to show your Finance Committee or Church Council the resolution as well as a brief message from the Campus Ministers so that they are better informed about what your delegates voted to support.
• A Statement of Intent form for your congregation to fill out and send to the EWAID Synod office. This is like the pledge that you will likely be asking from the parishioners in your church. It helps to plan for next year, and to be intentional and accountable for the amount we feel called to give.
• The purpose of the Synod is to “equip God’s people for ministry”: to support congregations and ministries, offer resources, guidance and to equip leaders. A stewardship program will be offered across the Synod called Ventures in Growing Stewards. The fee to cover costs is $100 + average worship attendance. You may want to add this amount to the stewardship line item in your budget.
As we approach Thanksgiving we give thanks for God’s call to us as the Church. It is an honor and a blessing to be able to serve together in this way.
May God bless you abundantly so that you might continue to be a blessing to your community and to God’s world. Jesus is with you always.
Yours in Christ,
Your Synod Mission Support and Stewardship Table members
Bishop Martin Wells, Pr Mark Nelson, Pr Helga Jansons, Cathy Steiner, Al Hanson, Pr David Daugs, Pr David Kappus, Pr Meggan Manlove, Pr Betty Krafft, Pr Bruce Barth, Sharon Browder and Lisa Kraft.
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