Message from the President
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| Rob Fairly |
Dear Friends,
Investments in 2011 will be remembered more for their volatility than their returns. Miscellaneous disasters, social upheaval and foreign government financial ills saw US equities up, down and back up to about even, foreign equities ended deeply in the red while U.S. debt was seen as a safe haven despite a downgrade by S&P.
The Balanced Fund was down only 0.79% for the year, compared to its index of -1.14%. The Equity Fund was down 5.07% year to date, handily beating its benchmark of -7.35%. The Income Fund continued to outpace the average money market style fund by paying a solid 1.25% every day all year long.
Consumer confidence is growing based on a string of positive economic reports, fewer unemployment claims, low inflation, declining credit card delinquencies, and improving housing news. All of that guarantees nothing, but it paints a picture of promise for a 2012 with lower volatility and probably better returns.
Trusting God is a challenge until we begin to realize how trustworthy he is. He will never leave us or forsake us. And remember what Charles Schulz said, "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia."
Thank you for your ministry and the confidence you place in our Foundation.
Sincerely, Rob Fairly
President/CEO
Realities, Challenges and Opportunities in the United Methodist Church
Since the formation of the United Methodist Church, virtually everything related to money has increased dramatically, including net assets, giving and spending per worshipper, and total giving and spending. Yet virtually everything related to people has gone down, such as membership, attendance, professions of faith, and children and youth. These are the realities of the United Methodist Church.
Click here to see a video concerning how can we address these issues and use them as opportunities for growth?
