Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Last year, we made a bold commitment as a synod to increase our financial support of ministries we do together, about which we care deeply. Multiple events of the past year have contributed to our falling short of that goal. As your synod council once again was charged with the task of reducing expenditures/cutting ministries, it proved to be a painful event once more.
I began reflecting on the expectations of this synod when I was elected two years ago to serve you in this capacity. Over the past 20 years, our synod has seen a reduction of over 60% support when adjusted for inflation. Reflecting on the resolution passed last year caused me to wonder, “What would our synod mission plan (budget) look like if we achieved the 10% goal?” So I started dreaming with our mission partners in mind.
They have been experiencing reduced funding for years. What would a step forward look like? Realizing that there is a need for the people of God to pull together around the mission of God we do together, I wondered what it might look like to go the “extra mile” for the sake of mission…
I put together a draft to share with our synod council. I didn’t know if they would excitedly embrace this vision or move to have me removed from office. :) I saw excitement in their eyes. One council member stated, “Now that’s the church I want to be a part of!”
As this vision was shared with more people, it took on a life of its own. Realizing that it might actually come to life and wanting to be a good partner with our Churchwide ministries, I had a great visit with Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and ELCA Treasurer Christina Jackson-Skelton. They both thought it well worth doing as a pilot program for our synod and for the whole ELCA. More tweaking and shaping took place as we lived with this exciting possibility where all members of our synod could feel good about supporting.
It’s quite simple. Each worshipper is encouraged/challenged to commit and give a minimum of $6/month or $72 for the year to make all of the changes on the other side of this sheet happen.
What am I asking you to do? Take this information to share with the people of your congregation. It’s contagious! When I shared this with a group out at Herby Lutheran, one young father said, “Make sure our congregation gets to be a part of this. I want my family to help this happen.”
Until the day when our shared mission support through the synod reaches 10%, this “Extra Mile for Mission” will help us to make these ministries happen. I look forward to next year’s assembly, when we announce all that happened because we faithfully went the “Extra Mile for Mission.”
The only question remaining is: Will you go the extra mile and encourage others to do the same?
Your co-worker in the Kingdom of God,
Pr. Bill Rindy Bishop, EaND Synod, ELCA
» Download: Going the “Extra Mile” Congregation Insert (download .pdf file)
To support the “Extra Mile for Mission,” simply write on your check’s memo line: EaND Synod – Extra Mile
Watch the website for more resources, information, and stories about the “Exta Mile for Mission!”
Watch Bishop Rindy’s State of the Synod Address for more information on the “Extra Mile”
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