SEPTEMBER COMMUNION OFFERING

The Episcopal Fund supplies United Methodist bishops worldwide with much-needed support. Bishops have a very special role as they are elected and consecrated to speak to the church and from the church into the world. Bishops are called by God from many settings and bring to the church "..varieties of gifts... the same Spirit... varieties of service... varieties of activities... the same God" (1Corinthians 12:4-6, NRSV). Their role is both practical and visionary since bishops oversee and promote the church's spiritual and temporal interests.

Why give to the Episcopal Fund? Bishops oversee the United Methodist faith community. Their guidance depends on our financial support. The fund is a source of revenue for office operations, travel salaries, health insurance, pensions and other expenses of the bishops. The fund supports 69 active bishops and approximately 125 retired bishops and surviving spouses in the five U.S. Jurisdictions and the Central Conferences and Europe, Africa and the Philippines.

The bishops in The United Methodist Church oversee and are responsible for the congregations in their respective Episcopal areas. Bishops determine to which church each pastor will be appointed. Bishops counsel with pastors, encourage congregations and lead in many ways. Without bishops, churches and pastors would be very much on their own. Bishops, supported by the Episcopal Fund, lend a face to connectional ministry. Source: UMC.ORG

October Communion Offerint
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund

Foster Christian unity and understanding, witness to a common Christian faith, meet human suffering, and advocate for peace and justice around the world. This fund enables United Methodist to be in ministry with people of many faiths coming together and standing together in unity.