When we share our resources through World Ministries Mission Tithes, we help build the kingdom of God around the world. One of the greatest joys for committed disciples is to help improve the lives of sisters and brothers all over the world as they, too, pursue the Community of Christ mission. Thank you for responding faithfully by giving so very generously.

In June, the World Church Finance Board approved a balanced budget of $27,560,000 for Fiscal Year 2008, which began July 1, 2007. The first item in the income budget is always World Ministries Mission Tithes, the foundation on which the church’s ministries are built. For FY08 the finance board approved a minimum of $10.4 million in mission tithes, which is 38 percent of the total budget.

Your very generous contributions over the last two years have encouraged World Church leaders to set a higher goal than the minimum approved by the finance board. Last year $10 million was the approved budget for mission tithes. We actually received more than $10.5 million.

The goal we have set for this year is $10.9 million, or $500,000 over the amount we need to balance the budget. What is most exciting is the expanded ministries that could be fulfilled with the help of $500,000 (see sidebar). If each of us answers the challenge to share equally with Congregation and World Ministries Mission Tithes, we will easily meet this goal. (Learn more about the “Share Equally” goal on page 5 October 2007 Herald).

The World Church budget is supported by the generosity of the generations who have gone before us, as well. The contributions they made are now found in our endowments and other investments. From those investments, which have grown over the years, we are able to draw a total of $14.3 million at a sustainable rate, covering 52 percent of the total budget.

The remaining 10 percent of the budget is covered by service fees and rental income, totaling $2.85 million.