Conference Benevolences - Overview

 

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BW Ann Conf Apportionment Video: Why We Give

 

 

West Virginia Annual Conference

  

 

Bishop Susan Hassinger visits with Wilfredo Calderón at the Gaithersburg (Md.) Workers Center, where services are provided for area day laborers.  A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

“Apportionments are the way we share in ministry with those beyond ourselves,” says Bishop Susan W. Hassinger, Albany [N.Y.] Area.

“The ministry shares come back to many congregations through resources for local churches, camping programs and spiritual formation opportunities for all ages, support for training clergy, support for retired clergy, superintendent support in times of difficulty in congregations, and the list goes on. [Apportionments are] a sign of the spiritual commitment of giving to others in the name of Christ.”

Each of United Methodism’s 63 annual conferences has a budget apportioned to local congregations. These conference apportionments are most commonly called “conference benevolences.”

Conference benevolences fund the mission and ministry of your annual conference. This often includes camping and outdoor programs, colleges and universities, campus outreach, retirement and health facilities, and urban ministry and town/country ministries.

Adds Brian Bakeman, treasurer, Oklahoma Conference: “Apportionment giving supports so many important ministries here and throughout our connection, . . . All this happens because people in our pew believe giving is an important part of our Christian faith.”

To learn about your conference benevolences, visit your annual conference Web site.

“Contribute to the needs of the saints, . . .”  --Romans 12:13a, NRSV