For the past few years, the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i has sent SIM its report on the 1% Theological Education Offering.  "In 2009, gifts totaled $23,232, which is about 27% of the Operating Income Target" [1% of total operating income of the Dioceses' 36 parishes]."  The report also shows that 58% of the parishes in the Diocese donated to the Theological Education Offering.
 
Though other dioceses may also issue such reports, SIM is only aware of this one from the Diocese of Hawai'i.  SIM commends the Diocese of Hawai'i and any diocese that holds its parishes accountable to the 1% guidance provided by the canons in support of theological education.  With the overall daunting financial health of both our seminarians and our seminaries, the future of the Church's calls for grass roots support at the parish level to support our future ordained leaders.  

Today, at the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, SIM is introducing a revised program for parish involvement that goes beyond writing a check for scholarship support.  The SIM Parish Partner Program provides an opportunity for a parish to minister seminarians and partner with SIM in a hands-on way to invest in future ordained leaders of the Episcopal Church.   
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    The Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM) has mutually supportive relationships with parishes throughout the country in supporting Episcopal seminarians. For more than 150 years SIM has provided "aid in acquiring a thorough education for the Episcopal ministry" [SIM's 1857 charter].  Known for its financial grants, SIM also supports seminarians with pastoral visits and advocacy for seminarians in the councils of the Episcopal Church.

A Ministry Opportunity for Parish Partners

By signing up for Parish Partner Program, parishes have the opportunity to join SIM not only in financially supporting future ordained leaders of the Church but also in relationships with seminarians that meaningfully impact all three parties-the seminarian, the parish and SIM. A recent graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary described SIM's pastoral ministry, "Even more than the monetary gift, SIM lets me know I am not alone in my journey." Parish Partners participate in the benefits of this fruitful ministry.   

Additionally, the Parish Partner Program helps a parish budget to heed the Church's decades old guidance that parishes provide a proportional level of support for theological education. The Parish Partner Program is an investment in the Church's future by supporting Episcopal seminarians, our future ordained leaders.

To become a Parish Partner, a church agrees to a level of financial support to SIM for Episcopal seminarians who are postulants or candidates at a bishop-approved program of theological study.  In addition, SIM will encourage and facilitate the development of pastoral relationships with the recipients of a Parish Partner named scholarship. Developing such relationships with the seminarian or seminarians sponsored by the parish include but are not limited to:
 
·    Visiting and communicating with a sponsored seminarian
·    Providing pulpits for seminarians to preach from during their seminary years
·    Inviting seminarians to participate and help with parish life activities and ministries
·    Joining SIM in praying daily for our seminarians

SIM's Ministry

    In the current academic year 2009-2010, SIM supports 81 students from 49 different dioceses attending all 11 accredited Episcopal seminaries and three students being educated in alternative programs and settings (one third of persons ordained in the Episcopal Church are educated and trained in programs other than accredited Episcopal seminaries).

    In 2009, SIM received financial support from 44 parishes. A 501(c)3 organization, SIM maintains an identity independent of seminaries, dioceses and national church bodies.

    Being a Parish Partner is a win/win/win program: first and foremost the seminarian, the Parish Partner and SIM's ministry.  

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SIMboldest Parish Partner    
                          
·    $15,000 over three years
·    $5,000 per year
·    1 Scholarship in Parish's Name offered for 3 years
·   Eligibility for the Sarah Pardee Award for Outstanding Support of Future Ordained Leaders of The Episcopal Church
·    Notification to Parish's Bishop
·    Certificate of Appreciation

SIMbolder Parish Partner
                              
·    $10,000 over two years
·    $5,000 per year
·    1 Scholarship in Parish's Name offered for 2 years
·    Notification to Parish's Bishop
·    Certificate of Appreciation

SIMboldly Parish Partner
                              
·    $5,000 annual scholarship
·    1 Annual Scholarship in Parish's Name
·    Notification to Parish's Bishop
·    Certificate of Appreciation

Parish Partner

·    Parish Support at Any level
·    Notification to Parish's Bishop
·    Certificate of Appreciation
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Last year SIM was blessed by the participation of 44 parishes that donated to SIM.  Our mission is simple and remains true to its original intent in 1857: "to find suitable young people for the Episcopal ministry and to aid them in acquiring a thorough education."

Faithfully,

Tom Moore
Executive Director
SIM