Did You Know?

WHAT IS FAIR SHARE AND WHERE DOES IT GO?

Many of you are aware of the term “Fair Share”, but do you know what it is?

Fair Share is the name of the portion of each church’s income that we are asked to give to the diocese each month, in line with the Episcopal Church being a missionary society. Current shares in our diocese are calculated at 18% of normal operating income.

Most of the money we send is used for ministry and mission in our area – including support for diocesan staff and programs and for the mission churches that are not yet self-supporting. In this context, the Fair Share supports 90% of the diocesan budget.  A portion of the money is sent to the national church, where it’s used to support ministry and mission, as well as other outreach charities across the country and around the world. Special ministries each have a slice too, including the Peace and Justice Commission, Jail Chaplaincy Ministries, the Restorative Justice Commission, and the Department of Ministry in Higher Education.

The following chart shows a summary of how the Fair Share collections will be allocated for 2006.

             Annie Warr, Bishop’s Committee

Our Healthy Bodies

Does Eating Breakfast Really Matter??

We have all heard the advice to “start your day with a healthy breakfast”, but why is it important?  Eating triggers our metabolism, which affects our energy level and the calories we burn all day.  If we wait till lunchtime before eating, that’s half a day that the metabolism has been on ‘slow motion’.

Research has shown that breakfast eaters tend to eat healthier and consume fewer calories during the day—as well as being more alert at work or school. 

What if you just aren’t hungry when you wake up?  Don’t feel you have to eat as soon as you get up, but try to eat within an hour or two.  You can grab a quick breakfast that is still healthy—just be sure to include at least 6 grams of protein and a bit of fat, so you feel full and have energy to last till lunch time. 

Some easy, healthy choices are oatmeal (great for lowering cholesterol), whole grain toast with nut butter or a slice of cheese (add sliced tomato for more benefit), yogurt with wheat germ or nuts added, or a smoothie with protein powder (whey-based is best).  Enjoy!

Susan Seaburg, CNC, RYT,  is a Wellness Coach, Nutritionist, and Yoga Teacher who writes articles and consults with individuals and familes to help them achieve their wellness objectives.

Grace Givers

If you need a little grace, call on us!

If someone is in the hospital and we can bring some meals over to help the family cope – call us!  If someone is in the hospital and time is dragging by, they could use a little company – call us!

If someone is too ill to get out, but needs a prescription picked up – call us!

If you know someone who is sick – call us!  The very least we can do is to send them a card that lets them know that their church family is thinking of them!

This is NOT an exclusive group; we would like to have everyone join us!

IF YOU COULD HELP ONCE IN A WHILE - CALL US!

Speak to Valerie Sims

Support to Mission & Ministry: 25%

Diem: 14%

Education Ministries: 5%

Ministry to Congregation & Clergy: 5%

Special Ministries: 12%

Office & Operation Expenses: 8%

Mission Beyond the Diocese: 17%

Misc. Expenses and Fees: 14%

Summary of Fair Share Budget 2006