Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Synod Investment Service federally insured?

No, there is no federal insurance on the Custodial or Mission Development Certificate Investment accounts. However, the Synod takes pride in the fact that since its inception in 1989, not a single investment dollar has been lost. With your invested dollars, the Synod is able to make loans to new churches and existing churches who are constructing, renovating or repairing their buildings. Not only are you investing your money, you're investing in mission.

How does a depositor invest?

•  There are no application forms or signature cards needed to establish a Custodial Account. Simply, provide in writing, on letterhead and addressed to the Coordinator, the names and phone numbers of at least three persons authorized to withdraw or transfer funds. All draws must be confirmed by a second person. There are no other restrictions. However, a depositor may place any restrictions on withdrawals - simply state these restrictions and they will be honored. There is a circular and application form for the Mission Development service, which you may access through our web site.

•  Make your check payable to Synod of the Pacific indicating, on the check memo line, the Pin Number (for churches). An alpha number will be assigned to specialized ministries, ecumenical and other organizations. Also mark the envelope, Custodial Fund .

•  All incoming funds to the Synod are received at a lockbox. Custodial and Mission Development deposits should be addressed to:

62846

  Synod of the Pacific

Custodial Deposits

P.O. Box 3787

Santa Rosa , CA 95402-3787

•  If a depositor is uncomfortable mailing a large deposit to our lockbox, it can be wire transferred. Please call the Coordinator for wire information. It is important that a depositor contact the Coordinator, of the date and amount a wire is being made to Synod's account.

Can a depositor open multiple accounts to segregate their various funds?

Yes. The $5,000.00 initial minimum deposit applies to each Custodial account, and $25,000.00 is the opening, minimum deposit applied to a Mission Development account A Pin Number/Account Number will be followed by an alphabet letter for additional accounts. Monthly statements, from the beginning of the year, are mailed for each account the Synod holds on a depositor's behalf, showing all account activity and the interest rate.

What are the interest rate policies and how often do the rates change?

All Synod interest rates are determined based on the Synod's Internal Cost of Funds.  Interest earned at month-end, if not withdrawn, is added to the account and draws interest in subsequent months. 

For Mission Development Certificates, the rate at the time of deposit will be fixed during the term of the deposit. Interest earned at month-end is added to the account and draws interest in subsequent months. Note: The current interest rates are posted on this web site. 

How and when can a depositor withdraw its Custodial/Mission Development funds?

For Custodial deposits:

•  A depositor may withdraw any amount or all of its funds at any time, without penalty, by the following methods or combination:

a.   Two authorized persons, one to request, one to confirm, may phone the Coordinator at 1/800/754-0669 Ext. 11, or leave the request/confirmation on the Coordinator's voice mail.

•  E-mail to ani@synodpacific.org the withdrawal request, listing the names of two authorized persons.

•  Write a letter requesting the withdrawal amount and listing the names of two authorized persons. An automatic monthly or quarterly check or transfer between accounts can also be made, but must be in writing.

For Mission Development deposits:

1.   There are no provisions for early redemption.

How does the church receive its Custodial funds?

There are several different options available for receiving withdrawing your invested funds:

• By check, allow five working days to process and mail, no fee.
• By check, sent Overnight Mail, next day, $15 fee.
• By ACH,   funds are transferred to church's bank accout next day if request in received before 11:00 a.m.PST, if after cutoff, two days, $10 fee.
• By Wire Transfer, funds are transferred to church's bank account same day if the request is received before 11:00 a.m. PST, if after cutoff, next day, $20 fee.

Note: Automatic monthly or quarterly checks, will be issued the tenth of the month or the tenth of the first quarter for the previous quarter.

If a church has a Synod loan, can it still deposit to the Synod Custodial Fund and MD Services?

Yes. The Loan Service and the Custodial/Mission Development Investment Service are totally separate funds. It is possible for a church to have both, or one and not the other.

Meanwhile, celebrate with us that the Synod Investment Service is a safe and valuable option for churches/related organization to invest their funds. Together with our depositors we are providing mission throughout the Synod.

If you have funds, we can put them to good use!

Contact Ani Lelea at ani@synodpacific.org or 1/800/754-0669 Ext. 11 for further information.