This past year was one of challenge, hardship, and struggle for many people, including our CP churches and pastors. We had to learn how to worship in a variety of different contexts and how to care for one another without being physically present. Most churches and pastors have met these challenges and more to continue to proclaim the Good News that Jesus is alive and active in our world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken, and will continue to take, a huge toll on our pastors. Like their members, many pastors have been infected by the corona virus. We have lost a few ministers to the horrors of this disease. Some pastors struggle with personal finances as giving to churches has decreased. Some pastors are dealing with depression and anxiety related to living through and serving a congregation during a global pandemic.

The Clergy Crisis Fund will be needed more than ever before in 2021. We began to see evidence of this in the last quarter of 2020, as we exceeded the Clergy Crisis Fund $6,000 annual budget by $1,500. We are appealing to the church to help provide additional funds for the coming year.