May 5, 2012 in Assembly
2012 Spending Plan Sees Small Surplus
Janet Neff, treasurer of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, reported that the 2012 budget was a balanced budget. This occurred without the sale of church property or the need for transfers from reserves.
The majority of revenue for the synod comes from partnership support from the congregations of the synod. In 2011, partnership support was $2,254,260, a 4 percent decrease from 2010. Ninety-one congregations, more than half, maintained or increased their support. Last year 24 congregations gave 10 percent or more of their members’ regular giving, while 39 congregations gave between 5 and 9.9 percent in partnership support. Thirteen congregations gave no support to the synod. This was a drop from eighteen congregations in 2010.
In 2011, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod continued to contribute its own partnership support to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at 53.5% of congregations’ contributions at a total of $1,206,029. Mission and partnerships that promote Lutheran, interfaith, and ecumenical faith in action continue to be a priority for the synod.
During 2011, the Synod redesigned its budgeting and financial reporting processes so that financial information is more complete and transparent. Financial statements now show mission, administrative and restricted funds separately.
In 2012, of each dollar the Synod receives it will spend 52 cents on partnerships with the ELCA, Lutheran and ecumenical and global partners and faith-based networks; 21 cents on the Office of the Bishop’s oversight of Word, sacrament, witness and mission of the synod, most of which is constitutionally required, along with governance, finance and communications; 17 cents on mission, supporting missional leaders through evangelical outreach, mission development, global vision and youth and young adult mission; 7 cents on administration; and 3 cents on supporting and equipping congregational leaders.
