If I Was In Charge of Our Pension Plan

I have a small pension through the Pension Plan of the church of God, Anderson, Indiana. The people of Central Community have done their best over the years to give to it as the church was able. Debi and I don't have any plans for retiring... but I've learned from my friends that age and retirement comes upon us whether we plan for it or not... so we're thankful.

Our retirement is in the "aggressive" portion of the portfollio... just couldn't stand to be anything less than aggressive :-) It's cost me big time. Out about 30% or more of our investment in the last month alone. That's nothing compared to lost equity in the house! I've always struggled with the church participating in general mutual funds... the folks at the pension board have heard... or at least listened to my complaints as pastor's pensions were invested in tobacco, alcohol and abortion funds... that doesn't even begin to mention the military/industrial complex. There are plenty of really good socially and morally motivated and directed mutual funds- we're not serious participants and they haven't been broadcasted.

Sad.

But that's just one guys opinion. Industry needs investment and if the church feels good sharing a bed with these guys... more power to them.

If I was in charge of our pension plan? This week I'd invest everything in Ford and General Motors. Not just because they're trading at all time lows. Definitely not because I'm a huge supporter of the auto/oil industry or that I even drive a Ford or GM vehicle, though I have owned both. I'd do it now because I believe in the American worker. These two company's employ almost 400,000 US workers between them and countless other industries around the world depend on them. If I'm going to lose my retirement... and I get to choose- call me old fashioned, but I choose going out with working men and women.

The people leading our auto industry haven't always led the pack... but I believe the right people will rise to the top and the best decisions will be made. Lord only knows what GM and Ford may be producing a century from today- rapid transit?, smog free, oil free vehicles...? jet packs?! You go George Jetson! Wouldn't it be fun to be a participant in a worker based industry that keeps the world moving?

Just my morning thoughts on todays economy. Hope your retirement- more importantly, your eternity, is safe and in His Hands today. To all of you who served: Thanks So Much. Think of you all often as I visit Mom's grave at Riverside National Cemetary. Happy Veteran's Day.

many blessings,

Eric

a "banner" year

me... again.

I've never been overly comfortable with photos of myself. We've rarely used them in our outreach materials and each time we have- it's a battle for me. Vanity...

That version of our logo goes up on a new banner this week in front of Central Community. The sign's 16'x4', I occupy about 3 feet of it and I'm hidden behind the churches name... even still... it's hard to adjust to. I'd make a lousy movie star- all those glossy 8"x10"s to autograph. So many people looking at your face!

"You're Invited!" is pretty much all the banner says: church name, service times, phone # and web address. Our vital statistics for anyone who might be searching for a church- a welcome mat to the thousands who drive by each day -"You're Invited!" On each side there'll be a banner for our upcoming craft fair, (October 25th, you're invited to that as well!), hopefully this will be the beginning of a "banner" year.

I'd like to learn to effectively use our corner to reach out to everyone who passes by. When you see the banners, let me know what you think. And if you never get to Riverside, You're Invited to listen in through our podcast or at our website, my pictures there as well... don't let it hinder you :-) Just remember: You're Invited!