Dear friends of the Southeastern Synod:

Our Synod Council met this past week-end, with much of the discussion focused on the synod's financial situation. It appears almost certain that we will end this fiscal year with a deficit of more than $150,000. Council agreed to cover the shortfall with monies the synod obtained several years ago when it sold its property on West Peachtree Street in Atlanta. Many had hoped that we would eventually use these funds for a new, permanent home for the synod office. That likelihood is now greatly diminished.

Although total mission support contributions since August have been significantly lower than during the same months in 2008, several congregations have made contributions above and beyond their pledges, and in recent months we have also received a number of donations from individuals. The Council recognized the sacrifices that have made these gifts possible. We are profoundly grateful for this support.

Our synod begins a new fiscal year on February 1. To bring next year's expenses more in line with expected income, the Synod Council substantially revised the 2010-11 Ministry Funding Plan that was approved by last year's Synod Assembly. The new plan contains deep reductions in our support of Southern Seminary, Newberry College, our campus ministry programs, and our states' social ministry organizations. Funding for synodical committees and task forces is being reduced to one-third of what it was two years ago. Staff travel expense will be reduced by 17%. Existing salary reductions for synod staff, put into effect in September, will remain in place, and total salaries will be reduced by an additional $76,000 in 2010. Because cuts of this magnitude cannot realistically be accomplished by additional across-the-board percentage reductions, staff layoffs this spring are now inevitable.

We will be careful and deliberative in determining how to reduce the staff and will work closely with both the Mutual Ministry and Personnel Committees throughout the process. A smaller synod staff means that we will have to ask even more of those who do our synod's work. We will also certainly have to narrow the focus and priorities for synodical ministries. The Synod Council began that process this weekend.

As a matter of transparency in this ministry we undertake together as a synod, I will continue to keep you informed as further decisions are made. Thank you for your prayers and for your support.

H. Julian Gordy

Bishop