FINANCIAL WISDOM
from the Companion Synod Ministry Team
First, some things to keep in mind:
Heart to Heart
As our GUIDELINES indicate, the key in developing relationships is "mutuality" -- to be willing to share about life, work, concerns, prayer needs, and ways of mutual encouragement in Christ.
We suggest that you invite Bishop Hougen to share reflections from the ELCT/ELCA Companion Synod Consultation he attended in Tanzania, in October of 2003. At that event, Roberto Chene, Consultant for the ELCA who was facilitating the process made this comment: "If money gets into the equation too quickly, you will destroy the relationship."
A Note of Caution
Please notice that our first word about projects that involve financial gifts is this word of caution. Responding to expressed and perceived needs takes time - for mutual planning and for consultation with others you may be relying on for assistance.
Keeping the Whole and the Parts in your View
When considering "second-mile" gifts or special projects, we ask that you consider supporting special Companion Synod Mission projects. These projects will benefit people throughout the diocese, or ELCA Stand With Africa projects that will benefit people through the country or region in tandem with reasonably planned and appropriately sized "projects" with your companion congregation.
Transparency - Let the light shine through
Whatever the route through which funds are sent for partnerships in our Companion Synod, "transparency" is a value which we promote. It is a goal that can be achieved in a variety of ways. The key idea is that each entity makes full disclosure of financial intents and actions. Files are kept in the synod office on each congregation companionship, so please send a copy to the office correspondence that describes financial exchanges and projects. Information itself is valuable.
"There is nothing broken by asking"
-- Tanzanian Proverb
Now, some ABCs of sending funds to Tanzania�
Access to banking facilities is difficult in many, not all, locations. This means that many people cannot cash a check you send them. Even if they have access to a bank, the charge for converting to Tanzanian Shillings and for the service of cashing the check can be excessive.
There is a cost for transferring money via wire services also, usually around $35 per transaction. Most congregations and individuals do not have international bank accounts, so presently most funds are routed through the diocese. Obviously every new project that is created increases the work load for the people in that office, even as it brings a benefit to others.
When considering your response to a request for funding a project, you might consider questions such as these to investigate: Has the project involved joint planning? Is there more than one person locally responsible (i.e. a committee providing oversight)? Is there an "outside" perspective that has been sought via consultation? Have replicable models been seen? Is there local income that will sustain the effort after the initial pilot (funded) phase?
The synod provides congregations the financial service of transferring funds (quarterly), within an annual $1000 limit. Funds in excess of that amount need to be pre-authorized by the Diocese Treasurer, so that their office is prepared to handle that gift. Preauthorization, even with smaller amounts, is always possible (given patience) and well advised in most cases. The synod office can assist you with preauthorization. (Refer to the policy below.) Also, consider offering a gift to the work of the Diocese itself in recognition of the overhead costs involved in the delivery service you are requesting.
"A dry pot soaks up some of the water"
-- Tanzanian Proverb
An October Story about Logistics:
After the consultation last fall, Bishop Hougen was able to spend a day in the Pare Diocese. Traveling with Bishop Msangi, on the way to the Marindi Parish, Bishop Msangi decided the two should swing by another congregation which was enroute to their destination. The primary reason appeared to be to deliver a gift - a gift from Iowa that had been delivered to the office in Same by the Iowans that came through 3 months earlier. No one had been traveling directly to this remote location during that time. If anyone had stopped by the Diocese office, they had been walking or on motorcycle, unable to carry it back. However, since this stop had not been prearranged, no one happened to be at the church office that day. They left the package and went on.
We mention this story to offer some insight into the technical difficulties with which our companions faithfully work. At this time, there is no United Parcel Service or Rural Free Delivery system. Someday, surely, but not now�.
04-A. A Policy concerning Companion Congregation Financial Gifts to Parishes.
The Companion Synod Fund was established as a repository for undesignated funds from congregations and individuals to be channeled in our companionship at the discretion of the governing committee. It has grown to include funds designated for educational scholarships and other projects formally endorsed by the Companion Synod Team. As our relationships continue to grow it has been used to transfer special designated gifts and other diocese or congregation project funds to the diocese or through the Diocese to congregations in Pare. Accountability for special project funds can be cumbersome.
The Southeastern Iowa Synod Companion Synod program provides for receipt and disbursement of funds for the following purposes and in these ways:
1. For �undesignated� purposes to be allocated as most needed at the discretion of the team.
2. For designated purposes as endorsed by the Companion Synod Team (based on priorities of the Diocese).
3. For other Diocese projects.
4. In/Out Travel funds for synod sponsored trips to the Pare Diocese.
5. For the transfer of special gifts of $1000 or less from individuals or congregations to the diocese for congregations or diocese projects. No money for individuals will be transferred through the synod.
Updated April, 2004
