August 2021
I am happy to report that the Synod has finally sold its property on Lake Murray, known as “The Eagle’s Nest Property.” The proceeds from the sales have been disbursed to various causes, including additional ELCA Mission Support, ELCA Fund for Leaders (Pinckney/Simmons Scholarships), NovusWay and SC Lutheran Retreat Centers.
A little history on the Eagle’s Nest Property. Fifteen years ago, in August of 2006, the Synod received a gift of 5.84 acres on Lake Murray from the Estate of Phoebe Callahan. Mrs. Callahan wanted the property to be used as a camping retreat, but gave the property to the Synod as unrestricted. The Synod accepted the gift, consulted with the SC Lutheran Retreat Centers and determined that a camping retreat was not feasible. The Synod then put the property up for sale. In less than a year the Synod signed a contract with a buyer for the sale. During the inspection, an eagle and its nest was discovered on the property, thus earning its nickname “The Eagle’s Nest Property.” After much communication with the County, State and Federal wildlife departments regarding rules governing eagles and their nests, we learned that eagles are no longer on the endangered list. Unfortunately the restrictions on the property would remain in place for five years after an eagle abandons its nest. Last year the property was divided into four lots (after the eagle abandoned its nest and the five year period had ended) and we were able to sell and close on all four lots.
For the six months ended July 31, 2021, mission support is up from the prior year by $94,000! We are behind by $47,000 from budget so far this year. The below chart shows the six month report for the Synod’s financial operations for 2021/2022 as compared to the report of 2020/2021. Miscellaneous income includes $118,000 of PPP loan forgiveness.
| This Year | Last Year | |
| Mission Support | $1,189,019 | $1,094,932 |
| Other Revenue | 25,403 | 30,848 |
| Investment Income | 209,502 | 27,208 |
| Miscellaneous Income | 301,003 | 0 |
| Expenditures | 1,191,041 | 1,076,510 |
| Revenue over Expenditures | 533,886 | 76,478 |
Please see the following report showing each congregation’s Mission Support for February – July 2021 (first six months of the fiscal year) as compared to February – July 2020.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Raymond L. Hendrix, Jr.
Treasurer
Midyear report
Download the report
