Black Methodist caucus starts fund, giving program
By United Methodist News Service*
Aug. 25, 2008
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Bishop James S. Thomas
|
Black Methodists for Church Renewal has established two financial
endeavors to encourage, connect and train African-American youth and
young adults in The United Methodist Church and to support the work of
the church's black caucus.
A permanent endowment honoring Bishop James S. Thomas and his wife,
Ruth, will provide support for leadership of African-American youth and
young adults.
A second financial endeavor is a planned giving program to support
BMCR mission initiatives and the caucus’ work as an advocacy, ministry
and leadership development organization in behalf of more than 2,400
primarily black United Methodist congregations across the United States.
The caucus board of directors established the financial initiatives during its Aug. 15-16 meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
"If we are concerned about the future of BMCR, we need to find a way
to empower and involve the young people of our constituency," said
retired Bishop Forrest C. Stith, a consultant to the board.
He suggested initiating efforts toward creative programming,
increasing attendance at various United Methodist conferences and
organizing special events that would attract young people.
"This is an opportunity for BMCR to develop unearned income," said
the Rev. Joseph L. Crawford Sr., treasurer of the board. "Our time under
God is now to develop and direct these funds."
BMCR, along with the United Methodist Church Foundation, launched the
endowment with $50,000 and a desire to raise at least $250,000 to begin
awarding grants to annual (regional) conferences and jurisdictions to
sponsor youth leadership events.
The fund connects with the goals of the Thomas Shockley Youth
Theological Academy, a two-week program that identifies and nurtures
children with the potential to be strong United Methodist leaders. The
academy is named in honor of Bishop Thomas and the late Rev. Grant
Shockley, a noted Christian educator, who began conversations on how to
work with young people in the church.
The separate giving program was established with an initial $10,000 contribution by BMCR Chairperson Cheryl L. Walker.
For more information, visit www.bmcrumc.org or e-mail bmcr@umpublishing.org.
*This story is based on a news release by Pamela Crosby, executive director of Black Methodists for Church Renewal.
News media contact: Linda Green, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
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