Who can be a “member” of Friends?

Members are those persons and entities that (1) make gifts to ECN, (2) visit Navajoland on a mission or pilgrimage, or (3) otherwise indicate an interest in and support the Church’s ministry in Navajoland.  Members may include pilgrimage and mission participants and other individuals; Episcopal churches and dioceses across the Church; and other ministries or entities, e.g., local supporters, other churches, foundations, businesses, and other charitable organizations.

What benefits come with membership in Friends?

• A sacred opportunity to participate in an active mission to and walk alongside Native Americans in building up the Kingdom of God in the Four Corners area and in the Episcopal Church.
• A window to witness and learn from the gracious generosity and profound spirituality of the Navajo people and the sacred beauty of their high desert home, but where many struggle with poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse.
• An expanded idea of what “Church” is. What “poverty” is.  What “rich” is.  What “grace” is. What “sacred space” is. What “incarnation” is.
• Many opportunities to be as “hands-on” as you are called to be in this ministry.
• Regular communication about the news and work of the Church’s mission in Navajoland.
• Fellowship with people across the Church in this sacred work.

How does one become a member of Friends?

All financial donors to ECN, its Economic Development Corporation, or its churches are automatic members of Friends.  Individuals, churches, dioceses, and other ministries or entities can request membership on the Friends website, by filling out a contact form on the bottom of the home page and the bottom of this page or by contacting the ECN offices in Farmington. Contact info for the ECN office is found on the contact page.

Members can request to opt out of membership status at any time by contacting the ECN offices.

Are membership dues required in order to join Friends?

Membership dues are not required as a condition of membership.  Members will have opportunities to give financial support to ECN through donations and other ECN projects.

How is Friends funded?

Friends is funded from the operating funds of ECN. Its founding resolution provided: “RESOLVED, that the Council of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland hereby establishes “Friends of Navajoland” to support projects for the ongoing mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland and authorizes funding for this ministry as reflected in the annual operating budget of ECN beginning in the fiscal year 2017.”

How can I financially support the work of Friends?

ECN welcomes tax-deductible donations payable to ECN to cover the costs of administering the Friends ministry.

Do monetary donations to ECN in support of Friends qualify as charitable contributions?  Are they are tax deductible?

Qualifying donations to ECN are tax deductible.

What type of expenses will Friends incur?

While most of the work of Friends is provided by volunteers, ECN staff and facilities are essential in providing minimal administrative support to this ministry.  In addition, we anticipate minor out of pocket expenses for routine postage and supplies, travel expenses for Speakers Bureau, publication costs, and similar minor expenses.