4 funds for current ministries and could mean that our Connectional Ministries obligation decreases. Now, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church has determined that this unfunded pension liability must be totally paid off by 2021. In November of 2012 we voted in the Fall Session of our Annual Conference to fully pay off this unfunded liability by using a three part strategy: 1. Reduce Expenses to the Conference and Connectional Ministries Budget: This has already begun. A number of cost cutting steps have been implemented at the conference and district levels and $202,000 was applied to the pre-82 pension liability from the conference budget surplus in 2012. Naturally, this will continue until the pension liability is retired. The surplus amount is projected to rise in 2013 and the coming years. 2. Use a Portion (50%) of the Proceeds from the Sale of Closed Churches outside of Urban Areas as Described in the Book of Discipline: We certainly do not want to see churches being closed but unfortunately it does happen. A number of churches closed in 2012 and 2013 and as the properties are sold, some of the proceeds will be used for new church development but 50% of the proceeds will be applied toward the pension liability. As of now, four of the buildings have been sold and $183,987 applied to the pension liability. 3. A Conference Wide Financial and Stewardship Campaign: This is where we have the opportunity to be involved. The total goal for all the churches in our conference is to raise $3 million over the next 3 years. While the bill must be paid, participation is voluntary and there are several options and levels of commitment for churches to choose from. Our church council voted in July, 2013 to participate in what is cleverly titled….Plan # 4. This 4
means that, sometime during the next three years, we, as a church, are pledging to provide an amount equal to 5% of our average giving over the past 4 years- an amount that comes to $5950.00 (I have all the actual numbers if anyone is interested in them). While we could come up with this money in many different ways (including using current offerings), it might be wise to consider designating certain fundraising efforts, or maybe adding additional fundraising efforts for this program in the coming months and years. Discussions will continue at church council and finance committee meetings. While I am convinced that amassing worldly wealth is seldom, if ever, a motive for those who serve the church, I do believe that we owe it to everyone who faithfully served along with their families during this time period to take care of this situation once and for all. I trust that our church will do our part in this program. Hopefully, you find this article helpful in explaining where we stand and our obligation regarding this issue- feel free to contact me with any questions. Blessings, Pastor Ray
Free Community Meals 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. September 19, 2013 Third Thursday of every month Ranck’s United Methodist Church at the New Holland United Methodist Church Dinner is served with all ages welcome. -- Dee Kopicz, Outreach Chair at Ranck’s United Methodist Church (610-223-8207)