Congregation Mission Offerings (CMO) for July increased by $100,000 over the prior year (6.3%). Through July, CMO is up $540,000 (5.1%) over the prior year and $775,000 (7.5%) more than projected in the ministry plan. Congregations in 11 of the 12 districts are exceeding their committed amounts. Unsubscribed congregational gifts (congregations that have not submitted commitments) have provided 15% more than what had been projected.

Since work has already begun on the 2013-15 biennial ministry plan (budget), these results are very encouraging. Careful expansion of our work in missions, ministerial education, and congregational support can take place as congregations increase financial support for that work. It appears that even as congregations and their members struggle in a difficult economy, God’s people have not forgotten the work we are doing together as a synod. For that, we thank our gracious God.

It’s true that these results only reflect the first seven months of 2012. We pray that congregations will continue their support at this level and that we will end the year with more-than-expected financial resources.

Conference of Presidents prepares to extend calls
Later this month the Conference of Presidents will be extending divine calls for two synodical positions.

Rev. Dave Liggett, the director of the Ministry of Christian Giving, will retire in December. The Ministry of Christian Giving serves under the Conference of Presidents by providing counsel to individuals in planned giving and in directing their current gifts for the work of the synod, as well as in promoting biblical stewardship principles.

Rev. Carl Ziemer, the director of Special Ministries, has announced that he will retire in October. The Commission on Special Ministries provides services and materials to groups and individuals, such as military personnel as well as those who are deaf or hard of hearing, visually impaired, developmentally disabled, or in prison.

Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder