Give the Gift of Mission Support

 

Click the image above to view Bishop Dunlop's video message.

December 19, 2014

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

 

Across our Synod, I have listened not only to the lofty dreams and visions of our people, but also to your deep anxieties, valid concerns and real hunger for change. I also hear clearly that you want -- no you rightly expect -- that your Synod will provide the guidance and leadership needed to help you reach new heights, or to renew and re-energize our ministries. We have made tremendous progress, but we need your help to continue.

 

Here are the highlights of the last year:

• My staff and I have worked hard to be more open, available and collegial by reaching out and being present. We have heard from many that our efforts are greatly appreciated.
• Innovations in mobility have greatly simplified and speeded up the call process, which is now averaging less than a year from vacancy to call vote.  Wherever we can we are similarly streamlining bureaucracy and procedures to make all our lives easier.
• Emerging and cooperative ministries have been developed or are under way. From Peter's Porch in Akron to the Lebanon Lutheran Cooperative to the Harrisburg Ministry Initiative, we are finding new ways to configure ministries to maximize leadership and reach God's people.
• Many of our established congregations are undergoing renewal and redevelopment under the guidance of our Director for Evangelical Mission and in cooperation with our Churchwide ministries and Synod Council. We have trained many of our Synod's pastors in mission redevelopment and brought in other skilled pastors from outside our Synod.
• We are expanding our leaders' capacity for ministry through training and educational opportunities offered through our Synod as well as Gettysburg Seminary and other ministry partners. We are equipping leaders for ministry in the 21^st century.

All of this good work takes resources, and that's where we need your help. For the 2014 fiscal year the money we receive from congregations is $198,388 below last year's total, or 8.53 percent. We have worked hard to keep our expenses under budget but we are falling short.

 

Even as giving has decreased, our Synod Assembly in June approved a budget for next year that increases expenditures by $136,030. Clearly, we have some work to do.

 

We are making such great progress in renewing and retooling ministries in our Synod, it would be a shame to lose momentum. If you are able to, we encourage your congregation to dig a little deeper and  make a year-end contribution. For next year, I challenge you to increase your commitment to Mission Support. I give thanks for each of you and your support to our shared ministries in our synod. 

 

Yours in Christ,

 + Bishop James S. Dunlop