Sound Footings – Fall 2021

Fall is the time of year when churches begin in earnest their stewardship campaigns for the upcoming calendar year, and the related budget process. For the second year in a row, there has been disruption in in-person worship, which we understand affects both stewardship and the budget outlook. Our staff has experience in both stewardship campaigns and budgeting. If we may be of help as your church begins this important work, please let us know.

Most churches have by now determined which expenses to curtail, and those to increase to best meet their anticipated ministry needs. Fortunately, their congregations have continued their generosity, with some understandable exceptions for those who have suffered an unfortunate change in employment. Two things have helped in many cases. One is PPP loans, which the majority of churches applied for and received. If your church received a loan and has not yet applied for forgiveness, it should do so right away.

The second thing helping church finances is the recovery of the financial markets since the sharp downturn in March 2020. We have noticed an uptick in stock contributions. Because of our relationship with Merrill Lynch, the Foundation can facilitate stock donations to your church with no brokerage fee. Let us know if that is something you would like to take advantage of. We’d be happy to help.

We’re also excited to open our grant applications each Fall. For us, this work is missional. It is a significant part our outreach. We really enjoy hearing all of the ministries happening throughout the Conference, and it gives us a chance to help them grow. We hope you will apply if you are considering!

Finally, we announced recently our Golf Classic to benefit our grants ministry, followed by a celebratory dinner commemorating the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary on Monday, October 11. Everyone is invited, and we hope to see many of you there. Let us know if you have questions!

Thank you for your support, and we’ll see you on the trail!

Sincerely,

Bo Bowden, President