UCC financial ministries take on major sponsorship role at General Synod

The five financial ministries of the United Church of Christ – the Church Building and Loan Fund, the Cornerstone Fund, the Insurance Board, the Pension Boards and United Church Funds – have signed on as Gold-Level sponsors of General Synod 33. 

This “special edition” Synod, “Rooted in Love,” is the first one ever to be completely virtual and will take place July 11-18. Gold is the highest level of sponsorship for the event and represents a joint contribution of $75,000.

“The financial ministries have been providing important services to the church for years – some of them for over a hundred years!” said the Rev. Charles Buck, president & CEO at United Church Funds. “This joint sponsorship is just the latest example of an intentional collaboration to serve all the settings of the UCC, including local churches, conferences, ministries and the national setting.” 

Maria C. Coyne, Cornerstone president & CEO, pointed out the benefits of such a collaboration. “Many churches are often unsure which financial ministry to call upon,” she said. “Now, if a pastor or church member calls any one of us, we can help answer some basic questions and then refer them to exactly the right person in the right ministry to talk to.” 

The Rev. Patrick G. Duggan, executive director at the Church Building & Loan Fund, added: “Other ways that the financial ministries have collaborated include common planning, cross training of staffs, and joint sponsorships of conference annual meetings.” 

All five financial ministries will host virtual exhibit booths throughout Synod and will be available for real-time chats. They will also offer educational workshops during the week prior to Synod, July 7-9. 

Here are the specific workshops and dates offered: 

• Wednesday, July 7, at 2:00 p.m. ET: Case Studies in Faith: Cornerstone Fund Presents Lessons in Lending, Building and Community 

• Thursday, July 8 at 1:00 p.m. ET: Sustainable Investing for Churches and Non-Profits: Using Financial Resources to Help Create a Just World (United Church Funds) 

• Thursday, July 8 at 3:00 p.m. ET: Ministering in a Closing Church: A Discussion with Pastors (Church Building & Loan Fund) 

• Thursday, July 8 at 6:00 p.m. ET: Insurance and Employment Liability Considerations for Ministries ConcerningCOVID-19 and Requiring Vaccinations (Insurance Board) 

• Friday, July 9 at 5:00 p.m. ET: Raising Funds in Hard Times (The Pension Boards) 

In addition, the Pension Boards will host a virtual theater event on the Ministers’ Financial Vitality Initiative on Sunday, July 11, at 4:00 p.m. ET, and an informational Town Hall on Monday, July 12, 6:00–7:30 p.m. ET.  

Also on July 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET, UCF will partner with MESA (the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Team) to host a virtual gathering for Members in Discernment, individuals preparing for UCC ministry.  

“We’re excited to be sponsors of Synods, along with UCC’s other financial ministries,” said Timothy S. Harris, president & CEO of the Insurance Board. “By working in collaboration, the financial ministries can help churches figure out the best solution for their needs.” 

Learn more about the UCC’s financial ministries here.  

More information on General Synod 33 can be found on GS website.