My heart aches.In recent conversations with rostered leaders across the synod, I have been made aware of the financial stresses that many congregations are experiencing. These stresses appear to be the result of a number of factors. First, the impact of a poor economy has made its way into the lives of our parishioners and is being reflected in the offering plate. Second, the decisions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly have angered or disappointed some members who have chosen to leave their congregations or withhold their offering. Many of these members have traditionally been very generous. A third factor now coming into play is the anticipation of a poor harvest for many farmers in our synod. Thus, income in many of our congregations has declined. My heart aches for congregations that have been forced to cut back on their ministries.
I am sure that most of you are aware of the financial impact similar factors have had in the life of the synod. When congregational income drops, giving to the synod for Mission Support drops proportionally. A few congregations have chosen to withhold Mission Support in protest of the Churchwide Assembly decisions. (It must be noted that some congregations have made special gifts or increased their giving in an attempt to offset this.) There has also been a general decline in the amount of money shared with ELCA synods over the past 30 years or so. My heart aches as we are not able to fully fund synod ministries that have been so highly valued during our history.
You may also have heard of the negative effects that the decline of Mission Support has had on our ELCA ministries. As giving to synods has dropped, the ELCA income has dropped proportionally. (Fifty-five percent of our synod’s income continues to be passed along for churchwide ministries.) Just this week the Church Council reduced the 2010 spending plan by eliminating $7.7 million from the budget adopted by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. To protect as many ministries as possible, 40 churchwide staff positions were cut. My heart aches for those who have lost their jobs, including some of my personal friends, and for the need to curtail some of the work that we have done so well together.
My heart also aches for congregations that find themselves embroiled in conflict and controversy. This number is not large in our synod, but I would say it is significant. We, of the synod staff, pray for each and every congregation of the synod. We will continue to walk with you, serving you in your needs, whatever they are.
Yes, my heart aches for the church I love, but I am not discouraged. As our bishop always says, this is God’s church. I rest each night knowing that God is watching and guiding, loving and giving. In the morning I arise, remind myself of whose I am, and then set out to fulfill God’s call. It is hard work, but I am privileged to be your partner in ministry.
Where does one's passion lie? It is where the heart aches.
Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC
Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. --JC
My heart also aches for the church I love; the church that abandoned me on August 21, 2009.
ReplyDeleteVonnie Fulfs
St.John's, Sterling
In treating a heart condition, most physicians advise applying a good balance of rest, exercise, and good nutrition.
ReplyDeleteRest - is the work becoming all we do and all we are? On all sides of the conflict, is this issue the sum of our respective identities? Are we taking/making time for relaxation and recreation, so as to keep a true perspective on all of who we are and all God is doing around us?
Exercise - yes, physical exercise! But not only physical exercise... Are we remembering to flex and build our spiritual muscles, as well? Prayer, mutual engagement in Scripture study, meditation... these are the practices of a strong faith. Walking - especially with one or more to accompany the journey - is a way of uniting the physical and spiritual modes of exercise.
Nutrition - Eating well and appropriately often falls by the wayside during times of busy-ness and prolonged stress, and the cumulative effects can be contributory to a "heart condition." And of course, there is the more spiritual food - our Lord Jesus in, with, and under the forms of bread and wine, which sometimes I forget to serve myself, even as I offer it to others...
The Church has struggled through times of change in the past, and this current struggle is no less painful than others have been, but probably no more painful, either. Let's remember to draw strength from those good things God has given us in the faith practices taught by the Church and by our Lord. We truly can do all things through Christ who strengthens us...
"And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work." (II Cor. 9:8)
ReplyDeleteWhen Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream and predicted 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine (Gen. 41), Joseph said, "Let Pharaoh proceed to appoint overseers over the land, and take one-fifth (not one-tenth) of the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven plenteous years. Let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and lay up grain under the authority of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it. That food shall be a reserve for the land against the seven years of famine that are to befall the land of Egypt, so that the land may not perish through the famine." The proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his servants.
(Gen. 41:34-37).
God is the God who supplies our every need--in times of scarcity as well as times of plenty. "O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1)
Bob Dealey
Shepherd of the Hill, Lockport
Well said, Jeff. Well said. We pray for the Bishop and his staff as well.
ReplyDeletePr. Arthur Bergren
First, Geneseo