Numbers for the first six months of the synod's fiscal year are in. As of Dec. 31, 2009, unrestricted support and revenues of $39.2 million exceeded expenses of $35.0 million by $4.2 million. The mid-year surplus is the result of receiving support before expenses are made. While there is currently a surplus, it is anticipated that the year will end in balance.

While Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) have held up remarkably well given the current economic climate, they are $150,000 less than projected as collectively, congregations fell slightly short of their CMO subscriptions for calendar year 2009. Also, CMO subscriptions for 2010 reflect a decrease of 1.8% compared to receipts for 2009. The budget for the fiscal year is based on CMO not dropping in 2010. Combined, the CMO shortfall for the fiscal year is about $300,000.

On the expenditure side, the additional cuts to ministry and ministry support mandated by the 2009 synod convention have been made. For the first half of the year, operating expenses represent a reduction of $4 million from the same period the prior year and are generally in line with the budget. One exception is health care costs which are lower than budgeted due to the health care premium holiday offered by WELS VEBA.

It is anticipated that the savings from the premium holiday and other cost containment initiatives will be adequate to offset the CMO shortfall and result in a balanced budget for the year. However, further reductions may be necessary if CMO receipts prove to be less than subscriptions.