Forty of the 346 Southwest Texas congregations had paid their 2006 apportionments in full as of June 30. Skidmore United Methodist Church led the list. The 54-member congregation had paid 104 percent of its share of expenses for ministries across the state, nation and world. -- "40 UM congregations pay ’06 apportionments in full" - United Methodist Witness, July 14, 2006Apportioned Funds Enable United Methodists to Do Together What No Church, District or Annual Conference Could Do Alone.
We believe giving is an act of worship. We believe giving is, as 2 Corinthians 9:15, NRSV, teaches, our way of saying "Thanks be to God" for the most generous gift of all…our Lord Jesus Christ. John Wesley and his followers saw our work in the simplest terms. To paraphrase his inspiring words: "Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can."
We United Methodists follow in Wesley's footsteps, supporting one another and helping God's children whenever and wherever we can. One way we accomplish this task is through our apportioned funds, a method of giving that proportionally allocates the general church budget to conferences (which subsequently apportion to local churches). This method of giving has become a strong, generous tradition and a personal, lifelong commitment.
Together, through our connected congregations, we United Methodists accomplish what no single church, district or annual conference ever could hope to do. In this way, each individual, each family, each congregation gives a fair share for the church's work. We combine our prayers, presence, gifts and service to make a significant difference in the lives of God's people…in every place we can…as often as we can.
The seven apportioned funds include: World Service Fund, Ministerial Education Fund, Africa University Fund, Black College Fund, Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, Episcopal Fund, and General Administration Fund.
APPORTIONED FUNDS -- Sharing God's Gifts
www.umcgiving.org
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