Apportioned giving year nears end
For every dollar that goes into the collection plate, 77 cents stays with the local church. About 23 cents of every dollar put in the local church collection plate support
General Church and Conference apportionments. Together, these pennies are transforming the world.
By paying apportionments at 100 percent, and giving faithfully to second-mile giving opportunities, we become a part of something bigger than ourselves and accomplish incredible things in Jesus’ name. Read "A Theology of United Methodist Giving: Apportionments"
The connectional system and apportionments are two of the defining traits of United Methodism. They allow local churches to reach beyond their walls and be in ministry in significant ways in their backyards and across the globe.
General Church and Conference apportionments are broken down into various groups. These groups are:
• World Service Fund
• Africa University
• Black College Fund
• Episcopal Fund
• General Administration Fund
• Interdenominational Cooperation Fund
• Ministerial Education Fund
In 2017, 94.9% of the Dakotas Conference churches gave towards the 16% apportionment requested. As of November 30, 2018, the total given for the year was, $2,734,011. The figure is a $95,785 decrease from 2017.
“We’re on a path for a decrease for 2018,” says Jeff Pospisil, executive director of Finance and Administration for the Dakotas Conference. “While we’ve had many churches step up in their giving to apportionments such as Sioux Falls Embrace, Bismarck McCabe, and Aberdeen North Highland, we’ve also had a number of churches struggle financially. What I’m most proud of is the recent actions by Aberdeen First and Watertown Cornerstone in committing to full apportionments despite their strong concern for the 2019 Special General Conference.”
The Dakotas Conference seeks to pay 100 % General Church apportioned funds. The conference paid 90% in 2017, 88% in 2016, 100% in 2015, 85 % in 2014, and 89% in 2013. Paying General Church apportionments is dependent on local church efforts to apportioned giving.
The cutoff date for 2018 apportionments, direct bills, and other offerings is Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Any dollars for 2018 received after this date will show up on the 2019 statements as “prior year apportionments or direct bills.”
