This letter, which was sent to all Treasurers is being shared with all Rostered Ministers and Council Chairpersons on behalf of Bishop Carla Blakley and Treasurer, Fred Mertz.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
Dear Treasurer, Council Chairperson & Pastor,
We would like to begin this annual benevolence letter to you by giving thanks to God, the giver of abundance who provides for us in all things. God inspires us, out of gratefulness, to share what we have with others. Thanks be to God for this example and for the many outpoured blessings!
Over the past several decades, benevolence offerings received from congregations have been on a slow, declining trend. At the time of writing this letter, Synod benevolence is trending 5.4% lower than at this time last year. As you begin the process of setting congregational budgets for the coming year, we ask that you prayerfully remember the Synod and its many ministries. Please consider making a benevolence commitment and challenging your congregation to meet and then beat that pledge!
Thanks to your contributions, the Synod can be an effective partner in mission and ministry, both locally and worldwide. Through your support, the Synod is able to implement key strategic priorities: providing vision, leadership, and support to congregations and the Synod community, developing capable leaders, connecting the Synod with the wider Church, and living as a healthy synod through an emphasis on reconciliation as well as social, racial, and climate justice. Thank you for the part you play in making these ministries possible.
To learn more about how these offerings are utilized by the Synod, we encourage you to visit the Eastern Synod website to access a variety of resources on Stewardship and Generous Giving.
Stories of abundance and giving represent more than just good news. They often give us an indication of matters of ‘treasure’ and of ‘heart,’ reminding us that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also (Matthew 6:21).
We are so grateful and hopeful for the ways in which the spirit of generosity and trust in an abundant God remains alive and well throughout our Eastern Synod. We know there are often struggles to meet budgets and yet we are bearing witness to small congregations who are increasing their benevolence offerings each year. We know of congregations who go above and beyond their annually committed amounts or who hold extra fundraisers to help support Synod benevolence. We remain incredibly grateful to all congregations who continue to submit regular benevolence remittances and we thank you for striving to rise to this challenge, under sometimes difficult circumstances. We truly appreciate all your efforts.
As we continue to transition into our new roles in the Synod, we look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories of treasure and heart. Thank you to you, the leaders of the congregations in the Eastern Synod for helping and supporting; for cheering on and for making the church a priesthood of all believers; for sharing your hearts and treasure to further God’s mission which is already at work among us. We are so grateful for you.