(Pictured left to right)
Rev. Dr. Gary George,
Administrative Assistant to the Bishop, Bishop John L.
Hopkins, and Jessica Vargo, Treasurer
|
EAST OHIOANS MAKE
MINISTRY HAPPEN
Conference pays 100% of General Church Apportionments
For the first time in its 37 year history, the East Ohio
Conference of The United Methodist Church has paid 100
percent of its General Church Apportionments including:
World Service, Africa University, Black College,
Ministerial Education, Interdenominational Cooperation,
Episcopal and General Administration funds equaling a
total of $2,896,844. Apportionment Funds enable the
church to do together what no church, district, or
Annual Conference can do alone.
“We have much to celebrate,” said Jessica Vargo,
Conference Treasurer. “We can attribute this success to
many factors. The people in East Ohio have exhibited a
desire to understand and support the significant work
that is made possible through shared ministry giving.
Overall, I believe there is a better attitude and
confidence level in our local churches. These factors,
along with the reduction of our conference budget, made
it possible for East Ohio to meet its apportionment
goal. It is my hope that this is the beginning of a
positive trend,” Vargo concluded.
Vargo reported additional statistics:
- 66 percent of
local churches paid 100% which reflects a five
percent increase in the total number of churches
that paid 100 percent of their conference
apportionments with the majority of other churches
making significant improvements
- Eight percent
increase in the pay-in from the prior year
- 286 local
churches responded to the shared ministry challenge
goal
- Nine Shared
Ministry Interpreters provided 50 local church
educational opportunities in 2006 with more planned
in 2007
“Through the generous
financial support of the people of The United Methodist
Church, we are able to provide ministry here and around
the world. I praise God for their efforts,
self-discipline and hard work that have made this
possible,” said Bishop John Hopkins. |
