Sound Footings
Greetings from the Foundation! In the year since beginning this position in June 2019, I’ve been able to meet many of you, and hope to meet many more in the months to come.
As I have traveled around the Conference (prior to everything moving to Zoom), I have been consistently reminded of the connection we share. Often this comes as an email, when I am asked to convey well-wishes to a friend in another district. These relationships make our conference feel just a bit smaller and closely-knit, and are emblematic of the Foundation’s mission. The accounts we have with one church help provide the means to serve another. The fee income we earn on one Foundation account helps support a grant to a budding ministry in another district. The investment certificate a retired pastor holds with DevCo helps fund a loan for a church addition on the other side of Virginia, and so on.
What we learn at one church or in one district can provide some ideas that could work elsewhere. We in the Virginia Conference have to rethink the way we use church spaces, and adapt to the communities around us. We want to be involved as you have those conversations. These can be exciting times!
As of the date of this letter, Annual Conference has become a one day virtual event. Any legislation that was to be considered at General Conference has been put on hold. In the meantime, our Board of Directors and staff are paying close attention and are prepared to serve our affiliates no matter what direction future legislation takes.
Since the Foundation began nearly fifty years ago, we have grown considerably. In this period of uncertainty, we’ve continued to meet with our boards and financial advisors, closely monitoring positions and following time-proven policies. The Foundation is strong. We consider what we do a ministry, and we sincerely appreciate the important role you play. Hoping to see you soon on the trail!
Bo Bowden
President