Conference Experiences Record Giving in 2007

2/7/2008

According to Conference Treasurer Scott Selman, 2007 was a record year for connectional giving in the North Alabama Conference.  “The Conference collected 84.98% of the 2007 Conference budget and the required funding for clergy pensions and benefits, or a total of $11,843,088,” said Selman.  "This is remarkable since our rate in 2006 was 81.97%.”

Selman reported that giving highlights in 2007 include:

  • 474 churches remitted 100% of their Conference apportionments.  This is an increase of 32 churches over 2006.
  • Conference receipts in 2007 exceeded comparable receipts in 2006 by over $850,000.
  • Churches gave over $92,000 in second-mile giving for the Birmingham-Southern Scholarship Fund.
  • Churches remitted over $106,000 for Congregational Development/New and Renewing Communities of Faith.
  • The Conference received over $375,000 for Advance (designated mission giving) and over $39,000 for Special Sunday offerings.


The following is a summary of the 2007 Conference budget receipts by district:

District
Percent Paid
Number of 100% Churches
Central
87.42%
60
Cheaha

59.61%
48
Mountain Lakes
81.41%

87
Northeast

82.20%
52
Northwest
86.93%
72

South Central
78.74%
22
Southeast
78.93%
65
Southwest
88.60%
68

Selman congratulated the Southwest District for having the highest district collection rate in the North Alabama Conference.  “While our Conference is still low in its percentage of apportionments paid compared with other Conferences in our Jurisdiction, we show one of the largest percentage increases this year.”

“These results are exciting!” commented Bishop William Willimon.  “This is a remarkable, unprecedented increase in giving among our people and is solid evidence that our efforts to improve stewardship and accountability are bearing fruit.  It is wonderful to see results!”

Bishop Willimon said that behind this increase in giving is the “hard work of many pastors and the generosity of scores of congregations.   I think for instance of Alan Beasley’s work at Russellville First UMC where three years ago the church prayed and devised a plan to reach 100% participation in our shared giving.  This year they reached that goal."

He adds, “Muscle Shoals First UMC has not paid 100% of their Apportionments in sixteen years.  The Administrative Board, challenged by their Pastor Eric Brown, decided to make payment of their Conference Apportionments a priority.  This year Muscle Shoals First paid 100% of their 2007 Apportionments.  They then voted to send mission funds to Josiah McIntyre, volunteer missionary in Brazil, plus funds to the UNA Wesley Foundation.  They even paid a significant amount on the Apportionments of a neighbor church, Bethlehem Station UMC.  Many will be blessed through the Christian commitment of our generous congregations.” 

Do you want to see your church’s giving record?  Use the Church Statistical Charts tool on the North Alabama Conference website. You can see your congregation's connectional giving record as well as your record of church membership, worship attendance, baptisms and professions of faith. Go to http://www.northalabamaumc.org/statscharts