Sisters and brothers,
You are invited to participate in the 2022 Bishop’s Missionary Appeal which builds upon last fall’s Episcopal Mutual Ministry Review (EMMR) process. In October 2021, the diocesan leadership team and I participated in the first EMMR in the Diocese of West Tennessee. We identified three priorities for 2022: support for small congregations; diocesan programming for children and youth; and a diocesan racial reconciliation initiative. Because of the timing of the EMMR, additional funding for these three areas was not included in the 2022 diocesan budget.
Funds collected as part of the 2022 Bishop’s Missionary Appeal will be used to address these three areas with a particular emphasis on supporting small congregations. The diocese needs updated information about our small churches to determine how we can best support them. The top priority for the 2022 Bishop’s Missionary Appeal is hiring a consultant to visit each of our small congregations to meet with lay leaders and clergy to learn about their vision for the future and collect data. A portion of the funds will be used to support children and youth in several ways including covering the costs of the monthly diocesan EYC gatherings at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Memphis. Finally, we will begin the process of reviewing other diocesan racial reconciliation initiatives as we discern what would be most appropriate in our context.
We encourage individuals, congregations and other organizations to contribute to these three initiatives. Traditionally, a contribution of at least $1,000 has been requested. If you are able to give at that level, please do so. However, no amount is too small and any gift is greatly appreciated. You can send a check to the diocese or give safely and securely at EDWTN.org/Give.
There are other ways of donating including gifts of appreciated stock. The diocese has a brokerage account to which these gifts can be made, so please call our office for that information and let us know the security you intend to give as well as the approximate amount of that gift. Individuals who are currently over the age of 70.5 can make gifts from your IRA required minimum distribution. Before choosing either of these options, PLEASE check with your tax or financial advisor to be sure these methods of giving are appropriate for your current financial situation.
Thank you for considering a donation to this year’s Bishop’s Missionary Appeal.
Peace,
