2015 Annual Report
The Southeastern Iowa Synod is a network of congregations and ministry partners who are called to share God s love in Jesus Christ. Bishop Michael Burk The Office of the Bishop The Office of the Bishop equips and supports leaders and congregations to be witnesses to the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Office of the Bishop exists to oversee the proclamation of the gospel and to serve with and among the many ministry partners of this synod. On behalf of the Office of the Bishop, the synod staff is focused on accompaniment with congregations and leaders. WHO WE ARE Together, we are: Gathered We are gathered, by God s Spirit around Word and Sacrament, the means of grace. This gathering in worship is central to everything we do, informing and shaping all of ministry. Claimed We are claimed in baptism, connected to Christ Jesus and through baptism into Christ, we are connected to one another. We need each other, and in Christ, we have each other. Sent We are sent into our local communities and beyond sent to serve the neighbor, to share the Good News, and to invite others into a relationship with Jesus, who is hope for the whole world.
Hunger & Poverty Together we are commited to feeding hungry people and advocating for people living in poverty. Leadership Together we are commited to raising up and supporting canidates for ministry in the Southeastern Iowa Synod. IMPACT
IMPACT Global Together we foster connections with our partners in the global church including our companions in the Pare Diocese, Tanzania. Congregations Together we are dedicated to developing and renewing evangelizing congregations, and exploring together new models of ministry for a changing landscape.
Mission SPending When members give through their congregations, a percentage of that money is then shared with the local synod which is then shared with the national churchwide organizations. Of the nearly $43 million giving as part of regular weekly offerings in congregations in our synod, the Southeastern Iowa Synod received 5.9% or $2.5 million in support.* Every dollar given to the Southeastern Iowa Synod supports ministry. The majority of support received goes directly the ELCA Churchwide ministries to help national and international hunger and poverty, disaster relief, developing leaders, advocacy, and expanding ministry. support of churchwide ministries 53.5% support for congregations, pastors, rostered leaders, & global 24% companions support of regional synod ministries 17.5% *based on congregations self reporting from FY 2014 Synod Center for Ministry and administrative costs 5%
OUR FUTURE Forward Together: the Campaign for the Southeastern Iowa Synod launched in 2015 is a $1.2-million-dollar campaign to support ministries of the Southeastern Iowa Synod. This campaign reflects a commitment to the main priorities: congregations, leadership, hunger and poverty, the global church, and where needed most. This fundraising effort builds on the rich legacy of this synod while moving forward together. This effort will bolster our proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ by increasing our capacity to partner with local congregations, regional ministries, new leaders, and new communities. Areas of Priority Congregations $250,000 Hunger and Poverty $240,000 Global Church $50,000 Leadership (no set goal) Where needed most $725,000 Totals $1,265,000
Forward Together Be a part of growing our shared minist Churches are facing financial pressures just as many families and business are around the country, in Iowa, and in our synod. We are moving Forward Together in an effort to enhance our partnership with leaders, congregations, and other ministry partners. Through the Campaign for the Southeastern Iowa Synod we are excited about helping congregations, expanding our efforts to alleviate hunger and poverty, supporting new leaders for the church, and strengthening our partnership for the global church. Thank You Growing our capacity for ministry will not be possible without your regular weekly offerings and your contributions to this campaign. Together we can do more in our communities, our synod, and around the world. Mail Make checks payable to the Southeastern Iowa Synod with the campaign priority noted in the memo line (e.g. Hunger and Poverty or Where Needed Most ) Mail checks to: Southeastern Iowa Synod 2635 Northgate Drive Iowa City, IA 52245 Phone Give over the phone by calling 319-338-1273 Online Make a secure credit card donation by visiting www.seiasynod.org/campaign
2015 Annual Report Thank you for your support! Learn more online at www.seiasynod.org