We have good news to celebrate! To date, the Mississippi Conference has supported through mission shares (apportionments) and Clergy Pension Benefit billing at a level of $1 million over any year in our history. We are moving together to a stronger and better place.

At the same time, great challenges remain before us. Therefore, I made a request as Resident Bishop for Mississippi to be the first conference in a new process of engagement with the FACT team (Financial Accountability and Consulting Team). For the past four months, leaders among us have been engaged with the FACT team, identifying key areas where attention and effort will yield growth, strength and strong hope in ministry.

In the most recent FACT gathering, 35 laity and 34 clergy engaged with the FACT team on October 20, receiving a report with recommendations from FACT and responding with wisdom in articulating next steps for the Mississippi Conference. You are invited to read the FACT report and to consider the recommendations and next steps which will be posted next week on the conference Website, www.mississippi-umc.org under the FACT icon.

All of us are essential in building a strong future for The United Methodist Church in Mississippi. Thank you for your prayers and your partnership in this good work.

With gratitude for your ministry,
Hope Morgan Ward