ELCA NEWS SERVICE November 6, 2003 Budget Projections Positive for Women of the ELCA 03-200-MR/DB* CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The executive board of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) learned that the organization's financial outlook is positive when it met Oct. 23- 26 in San Antonio, Texas. Income is up 6 percent compared to this time last year, said Carmen Richards, Hope, N.D., Women of the ELCA's treasurer. Given the current giving patterns, Women of the ELCA will have a "strong year-end," she said. To date, Women of the ELCA received $1,133,228 in contributed revenue and other sources of income, said Richards. Two-thirds of the organization's $3.3 million budget has historically been received in the final quarter of the fiscal year, she added. "The women of this organization are very loyal. Their giving reflects that, even in the challenging economic times in which we find ourselves. The women of this organization are highly committed to our mission -- mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ -- and continue to support the mission with their financial gifts," said Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director, Women of the ELCA. Although "regular offerings" from women of the organization is down 4 percent, "thankofferings" -- gifts given from individuals in gratitude for "God's blessings" -- are up 11 percent. "Bequest income is more than twice the amount it was last year at this time. This represents a final act of faithful stewardship of women who have been active in the women's organization," Bushkofsky said. Earlier this year Women of the ELCA announced a reconfiguration of its ministry to better meet the goals and mission of the organization, address its financial realities and partner with other units of the church. The reorganization led to staff reductions. In her report to the board, Bushkofsky said the organization has shown signs of "vitality and strength" as it "lived into the reduction in force and reorganization of staff, including the hiring of three new staff members." In other business the board approved a working budget of $3.4 million for 2004. That budget reflects a conservative income projection coupled with the need to expand work in areas of ministry that have been identified as organizational priorities, said Richards. To achieve that the board reduced expenditures by decreasing its annual financial gift to the ELCA; decreasing the amount of funds allocated for the organization's gathering and convention, which takes place every three years; and freezing staff salaries at their current levels. In addition to approving the 2004 budget, the board recommended that "if income exceeds expenses at fiscal year-end, the gift to the ELCA may be increased by board action in an amount up to $200,000 with the total gift to the ELCA not to exceed $700,000." The 2003 budgeted gift to the ELCA is $700,000. The budget for 2004 provides for a $500,000 gift, said Bushkofsky. "The gift stands as a tangible manifestation of the partnership that exists between Women of the ELCA and the ELCA. A portion of our purpose statements says that Women of the ELCA 'will promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.' The organization's gift to the ELCA is one way in which we seek to achieve that purpose," Bushkofsky said. The board also recommended that "if the $700,000 gift to the ELCA is achieved," it "may choose to designate some or all of excess income" to Women of the ELCA's Triennial Gathering and Convention reserves. In other business, the board: + Worked through a section of "Journey Together Faithfully, Part 2: The Church and Homosexuality." Last year the board endorsed the ELCA's study process and encouraged women of the organization to participate in the study, as well as to foster and encourage participation in their congregations. In 2001 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly asked the church to enter into a study on homosexuality. The 49-page study guide is designed to help the ELCA's 5 million members consider how the church will respond in 2005 to specific questions about blessing same-sex relationships and accepting lay and ordained ministers in such relationships. + Relayed a message to the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, in response to a proposal of restructuring the ELCA churchwide organization. On Sept. 15 Hanson made the proposal public but formally withdrew it on Oct. 20. Rather than respond to what had been withdrawn, Women of the ELCA's executive board told Hanson: "We have treasured the church's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. As your office takes this church into the future, we humbly and confidently encourage you to call upon Women of the ELCA to offer vital input in the process of reorganizing. Women of the ELCA brings expertise in anti-racism, inclusivity, hospitality, and participatory decision-making. We will continue to keep you and the church in our prayers." + Selected Women of the ELCA's 2005-2008 theme, "Act Boldly." The theme, derived from the organization's mission statement, will be unveiled at Women of the ELCA's Sixth Triennial Gathering and Convention, July 6-10, 2005, San Antonio, Texas. -- -- -- *Information provided by Deb Bogaert, director of communication, Women of the ELCA. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news