United Methodist agencies coping with economic crisis
The Rev. Karen Greenwaldt addresses a joint meeting of the Connectional Table
and the Council on Finance and Administration May 14 in Nashville, Tenn.
UMNS photos by Kathy L. Gilbert. |
A UMNS Report
By Kathy Gilbert*
May 15, 2009 | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)
Amid an economic crisis, top executives of The United Methodist
Church’s agencies report they are starting new ministries to serve
youth and the poor even as they make painful cuts in wages and staff to
meet budget shortfalls.
|
Connectional Table member Bethany Amey is a young adult representing the Division on Ministries with Young People.
|
Top executives of the church’s 13 general agencies told a joint meeting
of the Council on Finance and Administration and the Connectional Table
that the economic downturn has not meant an end to new programs.
Despite the collapse of the printing industry and a 26 percent
reduction in net assets for 2008, the Board of Discipleship is moving
ahead with plans to start new churches and to hold a global event for
young people in Germany in 2011, the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt said.
United Methodist Communications reported on the denomination’s “Rethink
Church” campaign launched earlier this month. The campaign, which
features the new 10thousanddoors.org
Web site, targets 18- to 34-year-olds in an effort to lift up the many
opportunities for involvement through United Methodist churches. The
campaign is designed to raise awareness of how the church is making a
difference in the world and to invite others to do the same.
The Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive of the communications agency, also
reported a $700,000 shortfall projected for 2010. He said the agency is
limiting travel and spending.
Other agencies are also making hard decisions.
|
Elizabeth Cumbest, a member of the United Methodist Council on Finance and Administration, sings during worship.
|
- The
Commission on the Status and Role of Women is considering salary cuts
for its five-member staff and is looking at canceling an International
Women’s Congress, Garlinda Burton said.
- The Board of Higher Education and Ministry canceled its
2010 spring meeting and is considering canceling other events, said the
Rev. Jerome King Del Pino.
- The Board of Church and Society and the Commission on
Religion and Race, both based in the United Methodist Building in
Washington, are sharing human resource and financial personnel. Jim
Winkler of the Board of Church and Society said that translates into a
$100,000 savings for both agencies. “I am doing all I can to avoid
further reduction of staff,” he said.
- For the first time in 50 years, the United Methodist
Publishing House will not be able to distribute $1 million in
“Cokesbury” checks to annual conferences for retired clergy in the
United States and in the central conferences, said Neil Alexander,
president and publisher. The publishing house, which does not receive
general church funds, has experienced an $8.5 million to $9 million
revenue shortfall.
- The Board of Global Ministries has dealt with a $4
million reduction and “that may not be the last for 2009,” said the
Rev. Edward Paup. An independent auditor has come up with 220
recommendations on how the agency can cut expenses. Included in that
plan is eliminating 41 positions in addition to not filling 20 open
positions. “I ask for your prayers,” he said. “This is affecting human
lives.”
Erin Hawkins of the Commission on Religion and Race reminded the
group that the global economy challenges everyone and cited James 1:2-3:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials
of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.”
*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Related Articles
Palmer says church is in ‘sweet spot’ for change
Assembly approves $642 million churchwide budget
Bishop Palmer offers vision for areas of focus
Bishops launch Rethink Church with worker outreach
Bishops roll back wages in sign of sacrifice
Redeploy church resources, financial officers say
Lawmakers praise church as civil voice on poverty
Resources
Council on Finance and Administration
The Connectional Table
Council of Bishops
|
Facebook
Korean News