Foundation Day 2009

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A common need around the Church - North America, Africa, Asia, and South America - is the need for buildings for worship and ministry. The cost of land, construction, or the purchasing of buildings is often time prohibitive to local congregations. Now with the current economic crisis it is even difficult for local congregations to secure loans from banks or other institutions. As a result, congregations are left having to pay monthly rent for inadequate facilities.

Foundation Day was put into place by the Patriarch's Council as a means of securing our future into the next generation. The idea was simple. On the Sunday closest to June 26th - the date of the consecration of A. Randolph Adler as our first Bishop - every member of the ICCEC -from the youngest to the oldest - would be asked to give 10 dollars to the Foundation Day Fund. This money would then be given to the Patriarch of the Church who would donate 1/3, loan 1/3, and invest 1/3.

In the past, many churches have benefited from the offering and we as a communion were able to help small congregations secure facilities.

I am asking every Bishop, Rector, and Vicar to call their people to participate in this offering. The recent Patriarch's Council affirmed their commitment to this offering and agreed to lead the way in giving.

The Office of the Patriarch has established a website for the Foundation Day Offering. On this site will be a public recording of the amount received, the amount donated, the amount loaned, and the amount invested. Any member of the Church will be able to access this information. On the site are instructions for obtaining funds and donating at other times during the year. There is also various brochures and bulletin inserts that can be used on Foundation Day or prior to the taking of the offering.

Like all of you, I believe God is our provider. I believe God wants us to have buildings to accomplish His mission. I know that as we give generously then we will receive in abundance. It is the law of sowing and reaping.

My own Cathedral is facing the prospect of having to build a new sanctuary. Our Sunday morning services are full and our meeting spaces are now over used. My plan is to give into the ministry of others. By faith I will plant seeds.

May God continue to bless you in your work and ministry. May you be drawn daily into the blessed and holy love of the Trinity.

Under His mercy,

The Most Rev. Craig W. Bates,
Patriarch, ICCEC