“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 NIV
Dear Friends in Christ,
One of the things that makes the United Methodist Church unique is our connectional spirit. We are not just a single congregation standing on our own. We are part of something much larger — a body of believers linked together across our conference, our nation and our world. One of the clearest ways we live out this connection is through our apportionments.
Apportionments are simply the way we share what God has given us. The gifts you place in the offering plate each week don’t stop at our church’s doors. A portion is divided and sent out to support ministries that extend far beyond our community. Through this shared giving, we participate in the mission of the wider church, reaching people and places that none of us could reach alone. It’s important to remember that apportionments are not just a line in the budget. They are fuel for ministry. When our gifts are combined with those of other United Methodists, we become part of something much greater than ourselves. God’s grace is multiplied and carried into churches, communities and nations.
So, where does this money go?
Our giving is divided into three main areas:
· Our local church and its ministries;
· The General and Jurisdictional Church Funds;
· And the ministries of our Annual Conference.
Why do we do this? Because Jesus taught that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Our system of apportionments ensures that we do not only care for ourselvesbut also extend compassion to “the least of these.” For this reason, many people prefer to call apportionments “missional giving.”
And what does that look like? Through apportionments, we:
· Support United Methodist colleges and universities, preparing future pastors and leaders;
· Provide care for children affected by AIDS and support ministries of peace in places of conflict;
· Send teachers, pastors, and missionaries across the globe — in Russia, Korea, and Africa, where the church is growing rapidly;
· Help the Wesleyan movement spread through the World Methodist Council in more than 130 countries;
· Respond to disasters near and far. United Methodists provided millions in relief after 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami. In fact, after Katrina, FEMA turned to UMCOR to lead recovery efforts — the first time in history a government agency had asked a denomination to step in.
All of this is made possible through our apportionments. All of this is what we mean by missional giving. It is a way of being part of God’s transforming work in the world.
Thank you for your generosity, your faithfulness and your commitment to being part of the connection. Together, we are not only keeping ministries alive — we are bringing God’s hope, healing, and grace to people we may never meet, but who are deeply loved by God.
With gratitude in Christ, Pastor Michelle
