January brought a cautious but positive start to U.S Equity markets. Investors continue to move toward more reasonably valued stocks after last year’s strong growth in tech and AI-related stocks left some investors questioning the high valuations in the sector. 

While uncertainty remains, the underlying economy continues to demonstrate an ability to adapt, though we can expect this adaptability to be tested in this election year. However, our approach remains unchanged as we continue to help portfolios remain resilient across a wide range of potential outcomes.

We hope to equip clergy with information to be a more effective stewards of their personal finances and the finances of their church. We believe that strengthening pastors’ financial understanding is an important step toward fostering healthier and more sustainable congregations.

Foundation staff recently attended the Information Session about Energize – Community Spaces from King County, hosted on January 22, 2026, with presenters Jenny Cooper and Terry Sullivan. We are excited to share this summary with churches in King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties.

From biblical times to our current reality, leaders of faith communities face financial questions, challenges and blessings. Acquiring the skills and courage to lead people into new lands of opportunity still takes spiritual discipline and knowledge. Leaders must navigate our own relationship with money as well as decipher past organizational history while also developing organizational skills, systems and principles about financial stewardship.