What is Connectional Giving?

It’s as simple as people coming together, combining their money to accomplish something bigger than themselves. United Methodists support apportioned and designated funds through their connectional gifts. The General Conference establishes budgets for the denomination’s general funds. These are divided among annual conferences, based on a specific formula. In addition, individuals, local churches, districts and annual conferences may make monetary gifts to the designated funds, of which 100 percent goes directly to a specific project or ministry. Together, apportioned and designated funds represent our connectional giving.

By combining several smaller gifts into a larger amount, we can effect change across the world. Individual churches can minister to a small area; however, as a connectional church, we can do big things, all in the name of Jesus Christ.

Please encourage your congregation to give 100% to all the Apportion Funds: Africa University, Black College Fund, Episcopal Fund, General Administration Fund, Interdenominational Cooperation Fund, Ministerial Education Fund and the World Service Fund.

You can give directly online to help support any of the Special Sundays with offerings: Human Relations Day, Native American Ministries, One Great Hour of Sharing, Peace with Justice, United Methodist Student Day and World Communion Sunday.

Thanks

Lladale Carey
Web Coordinator
UMCGiving.org
United Methodsit Communications

Urgent Need for Scholarship Donations

United Methodist scholarship and loan applicants are being turned away because of limited education funds. There is an urgent need for donations to United Methodist Student Day. The student you help may be one of your own. Your church will receive credit for donations made online at www.umcgiving.org/UMSD.

Limited education funds are another sign of the hard times many inside and outside of The United Methodist church are facing. You may know of a student in your congregation who is struggling to go to college. We’re asking you to make your congregation aware of the economic challenges facing many deserving United Methodist students.

The time for giving is now. While the suggested date for United Methodist Student Day is November 29, you can celebrate and receive an offering for this ministry at any time. Please inform your congregation of the important role it plays in making educational dreams come true for promising United Methodist students and encourage them to “put a little extra” in the offering plate or envelope. Remind them that each year funds are returned to annual conferences for merit scholarship awards to students of their choosing.

For help promoting United Methodist Student Day, click here.

Give now so students can go to college!

Lladale Carey
Web Coordinator
UMCGiving.org
United Methodsit Communications

Doors to Education

"As a World Communion Scholar . . . I can concentrate on what really counts: helping people who are in the darkest corner of addiction and despair to find a new life in Christ." says Laura Pressley.

Miss Pressley will use her skills she received as a World Communion Scholar to help women dealing with addiction. The faces and stories of the women she met while volunteering on a first-aid squad have stayed with her as she pursues a master's degree in counseling and addiction ministry at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She hopes to create an inner-city residential treatment program for women of color.

"I know it's God's will for my life because I've never felt so much at peace with myself" says Laura Pressley.

Without Scholarship help from funds raised on World Communion Sunday, Miss Pressley wouldn't have been able to sign up for classes this year.

To help Laura and other students reduce their school debt, please give to the World Communion Sunday offering. Click here to give online.

Lladale Carey
Web Coordinator
UMCGiving.org
United Methodsit Communications

“I have a passion for people. My pharmacy practice will be an opportunity for me to serve, share my faith with others and lead by example to improve the spiritual and physical well-being of my patients” says Todd Sega. Grateful for your generous gifts to the United Methodist Student Day offering, Todd thinks frequently about the importance of faith in his life. “When I left for school, thinking about my church family and the scholarship I received, I felt fully embraced and supported by The United Methodist Church. As a result, I am motivated to achieve my personal best.”

Like many things, college costs continue to rise. Thanks to United Methodist Student Day, people in your annual conference – perhaps even members of your family—have a chance to attain a higher education. Students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities receive scholarships and loans.

Please give so young people like Todd can receive a higher education and make a difference in our world today and tomorrow. You can give online to the United Methodist Student Day Sunday offering at any time by clicking here.

Lladale Carey
Web Coordinator
UMCGiving.org
United Methodsit Communications