As we continue to journey toward General Conference which will be held in Portland, Oregon (May 10-20, 2016), I ask that you pray about the finances that the delegates will be discussing and deciding on.

The Connectional Table (our denomination’s programmatic oversight and coordination body) and the General Council on Finance and Administration have approved a budget request of $611 million dollars for giving to general church funds for the 2017-2020 quadrennium.

When determining the budget there are a number of considerations: church membership, inflation, per capita disposable income, “giving elasticity” (which is the percent of giving from increased revenue), net spending and the U.S. gross domestic product.

This budget supports the following connectional ministries: the Episcopal Fund (for support of bishops), the Ministerial Education Fund, our general program and administrative agencies and commissions, the Black College Fund and the Africa University Fund.

Please pray for our delegates as they deliberate and vote on this budget. May our stewardship reflect the love of God through life-giving ministries of outreach and compassion.

Bishop Peggy Johnson