A unique opportunity for the Mississippi Conference. . .
Your prayers are invited tomorrow, October 20, for a unique time of learning and dialogue in regard to the mission and financial strength of the Mississippi Conference.
The Council of Bishops in 2009 requested the General Council on Finance and Administration and the General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits to resource annual conferences upon request by the bishop. The two agencies created a FACT (Financial Accountability and Consulting Team) team and process.
In an effort to continue strengthening our missional and financial life, I made a request for FACT to come to Mississippi. We are the first conference to make this request. The Tennessee Conference is the second, having made a recent request.
A FACT team of seven came to Mississippi in August and spent a day in dialogue with fifteen leaders of our conference committees. The Cabinet and other leaders have been in dialogue with FACT in the unfolding process of research, discernment and dialogue.
The next step in this process is a gathering tomorrow of over 90 conference leaders from the areas of finance, pensions, laity, medical benefits, communications, ordained ministry, conference staff and cabinet. This group will hear the observations of the FACT team, discuss them, and consider any next steps.
Thank you for your prayers for this gathering. I will be in touch with you later this week with an update.
With gratitude for your partnership in the ministry of Christ,
Hope Morgan Ward
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