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Saving Grace: Finding financial peace through faith

November 4, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

For many people—including those in ministry—money can be a quiet source of stress. Balancing budgets, managing debt, and planning for the future often carry a weight that feels more burdensome than blessed. But for Pastor Wendy Morrison of Sherrill: Christ UMC, Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being turned that stress into peace—and faith into action. 

“I actually took Saving Grace twice,” Pastor Wendy recalled. “The first time I took it, a tornado had just hit my city, and both of my kids were getting ready to leave for college, which would change a lot of our finances as well.” 

Saving Grace, offered through the Upper New York Conference and the Clergy Wellness Team, is a six-session, Zoom-based experience that combines practical financial tools with biblical wisdom. Facilitated by the Rev. Susan Ranous—an ordained Deacon, CPA, and expert in clergy finance—the program invites clergy and church leaders to approach money not through fear or formulas, but through faith. 

Rev. Ranous understands the vulnerability that can come with facing financial realities. “For many of us, it is difficult to face our own financial issues and to find ways to handle them better,” she said. “Some parts of Saving Grace may seem familiar, but the emphasis on the Wesleyan and Biblical understanding of finances makes it come alive in many new ways.” 

For Pastor Wendy, the course came at just the right time. 

“I thought this was a great experience to learn about my own finances better,” she said. “It gave me tools to use and a book to keep referring to.” 

One of the most powerful parts for her was the simple act of tracking spending. 

“Having to put down every receipt into a category and learn where I am spending the most money was an eye opener,” Pastor Wendy explained. 

Yet, beyond the spreadsheets and spending plans, Pastor Wendy found something even more meaningful: community. 

“It was also helpful having others to be able to discuss some things with and know that I was not alone with financial struggles,” she said.  

Saving Grace explores topics such as: 

• What Scripture says about money versus what our culture teaches 
• How to faithfully track expenses and income 
• The spiritual practice of giving and saving 
• Tackling and eliminating debt 
• Adjusting spending plans to reflect faith-based priorities 

The program is completely free for participants—funded as a Thrive resource through the UNY Missional Excellence team. Attendees simply purchase their own workbook, Saving Grace – A Guide to Financial Well-Being: Clergy Workbook, available through Cokesbury or Amazon. 

For Pastor Wendy, the lessons have lasted far beyond the six sessions. 

“It gives insights into your own finances and tools to handle your finances better if you are willing to commit to it.  I even got a sermon series on “giving” out of it and what pastor can't use that?” 

Rev. Ranous says for many of us, it is difficult to face our own financial issues and to find ways to handle them better. Some parts of Saving Grace may seem familiar, but the emphasis on the Wesleyan and Biblical understanding of finances makes it come alive in many new ways. 

If you’re ready to move from financial stress to spiritual freedom, Saving Grace can help you take that next faithful step. 

Register here for Saving Grace: A Guide to Financial Well-Being and discover how faith can transform your financial life.