The Mosaic Conference fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 on a positive note. Giving from congregations was slightly higher than expected for the 2021 budget year. With 85% of Mosaic congregations giving financially to the Conference, as they were able, we recognize that every congregation gave something to enrich the Conference, whether financially or in other ways. We are grateful for the generous support of our congregations.
During the previous fiscal year (2020), the Conference received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan which was recorded as a payable in 2020. This past year, the loan was forgiven by the bank, so that was included as income for 2021. Approximately half of the PPP income was set aside in a pastoral assistance fund with the remaining portion designated for Mosaic’s operating budget. As a result, the total income for the operating budget this past year was higher than budgeted.
As activities increased throughout the Conference in 2021 due to fewer pandemic-related restrictions, expenses increased from 2020. Nevertheless, expenses were still less than what was budgeted, making our bottom line net a positive. Some expenses were increased, such as travel, but other expenses were lessened, such as the Mosaic Annual Assembly, as well as the biennial Mennonite Church USA Conference, due to virtual participation.
For 2022, more has been budgeted for Leadership Development, Leadership Minister travel, and Missional Operations Grants (MOGs), with the goal to strengthen and support our congregational leaders and encourage new congregational ministries.