Apportionment support gains in 2011

What happens to a one-dollar bill after it goes into the offering plate at your church? Most of the money directly supports the work of your church. Of that $1, a total of 16 cents is forwarded as Apportionment giving, explained Treasurer Brian Bakeman.

In 2010, Oklahomans contributed $15,272,755 to the Apportionment, Rev. Bakeman reported on Jan. 26 to the Council on Finance & Administration (CF&A).

That amount is slightly higher than Apportionment receipts the previous year. The money provided for 94.3 percent of the 2010 budget, compared to 94.17 percent in 2009.

In the Oklahoma Conference, the record year for Apportionment giving was 2007, with 97.36 percent.

"Apportioned funds enable United Methodists to do together what no church, district, or conference could do alone," declares a denominational statement. The connectional strength of United Methodists is a distinctive characteristic of our Church.

Last year, 16 cents of each $1 supported these ministries and much, much more:

• Camps for all ages
• The Circle of Care for at-risk children and youths
• Health care for Oklahoma clergy
• Missionaries in Oklahoma and around the world
• Training for laity leadership
• Social justice work at all levels
• Education for clergy
• Native American churches
• Disaster response around the world
• New churches in Oklahoma
• Oklahoma City University
• Communication ministries, including this newspaper, videos, and online resources
• Oklahoma’s bishop and district superintendents
• Outreach to college students

Rev. Bakeman reported Apportionment giving reached 99 percent for the churches in Clinton and Woodward Districts. South Oklahoma City District was recognized for the biggest improvement in Apportionment giving.

Of all Oklahoma churches, about four out of five contributed fully to the Apportionment. The Ministerial Support items were not fully paid by 21 congregations.

Giving exceeded 100 percent to both Cookson Hills Center and Neighborhood Services Organization.

Total revenue in 2010, reported by Bakeman, was $15,799, 050, from the Apportionment, Advance specials, and other missional giving.