Sound Footings — Spring 2023
Greetings fellow Methodists! I offer this message during Lent, as I prepare to visit the Holy Land with about 40 others from three Virginia Conference churches. There we will trace the sites of Jesus’ ministry and walk the Via Dolorosa only days before we commemorate His sacrifice during Easter. I am grateful and delighted that such opportunities abound in our Conference.
Greetings fellow Methodists! I offer this message during Lent, as I prepare to visit the Holy Land with about 40 others from three Virginia Conference churches. There we will trace the sites of Jesus’ ministry and walk the Via Dolorosa only days before we commemorate His sacrifice during Easter. I am grateful and delighted that such opportunities abound in our Conference.
The Foundation team has been on the road and on Zoom, engaging with churches on ways we can help them expand their ministries and create new ways to sustain them. Sometimes we encounter churches that have not clearly outlined what happens when a donor offers a substantial gift. Does your church have a Gift Acceptance policy? If not, we may be able to help you better connect how such gifts could impact your mission, thereby renewing interest from prospective benefactors.
Our investment committee recently met with our advisors at Merrill Lynch to review economic forecasts and current financial markets. Although we anticipate continued periodic volatility, we do not plan any significant changes in our investment policies. We believe a highly-diversified investment strategy with a balance of equity and fixed-income exposure still provides the best opportunity for positive returns in the long-run. Please plan to join our Annual Investors Briefing in person or via Zoom on May 17.
In the Fall, we offered a Train-the Trainer series on the Saving Grace curriculum, and after Easter we will again partner with Pensions and Benefits to share Saving Grace training meant specifically for clergy. Soon you will also hear of new offerings to share perspectives among our clergy and laity, including the renewal of a consortium on the intersection of Faith and Science. This year the conference will feature Dr. Andrew Newberg, a pioneer in the emerging field of Neurotheology. It will be held at Randolph-Macon College on September 23. Stay tuned!
Here in Virginia, the redbuds are flowering and the cherry blossoms are full, signaling the onset of a vibrant renewal. Winter seems to have already passed. We pray for the continued rebirth and renewal of your ministries, and we stand ready to partner with you to help bring them to life. Easter blessings to you all!
Hope to see you on the trail soon!
Bo Bowden, President
