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2011 Apportionments Payout Report: 'When times are tough, the faithful meet the challenge and God provides'

1/17/2012


By John R. Bonson, Sr.
Director of Connectional Ministries, Memphis Conference
I have often read that during tough economic times in our past, giving has actually increased because people of faith feel the need of those who are hurting. That was certainly true of the Great Depression years. The churches of the Memphis Conference have proven that point during this past year.
Economic news has been like riding a roller coaster. Companies have moved. Workers have lost jobs. James Finger, Conference Treasurer, reported that no year in the history of the stock market has experienced more record swings than this past year. Simply put: These have been tough times for pocketbooks and hearts.
In spite of all the bad economic news, you as faithful stewards of the gifts that God has given you have provided resources for ministry both within your local church and beyond.
Reports from the Conference Treasurer’s Office show that the total payout of apportionments for the year ended Dec. 31, 2011 was higher than 2010 by almost six percentage points. While 2010 was the lowest payout year in memory, the percentage paid by local churches exceed the share of 2009 by nearly a full percentage point.
Along with this remarkable sharing of gifts, those who administer the work of the Memphis Conference – including district offices, conference agencies, and conference staff members have worked hard to keep down costs while continuing to provide necessary ministries to the lost and the hurting.
Another benefit of your stewardship enabled the Connectional Ministries Team to fund our four conference agencies at their full request. Those agencies were: Hannah’s Hope, Reelfoot Rural Ministries, United Methodist Neighborhood Centers and West Kentucky United Methodist Family Services.
I want to personally thank each of you on behalf of all of us who share in your ministry by serving beyond the local church for your faithful giving. We will continue to be equally as faithful in the administration of your shared gifts.
May God grant us the grace to meet the needs of God’s people who desperately need to know God’s love shared by you as you touch their lives.