Ministry Share Task Force Links
Resource on this page are designed to help local churches understand and explain the nature of our connectional system and to highlight some of the ways this allows congregations to be in mission and ministry beyond what they might be able to do by themselves. Churches participate in these important ministries through the payment of Ministry Shares. Most resources listed provide links to files that can be downloaded and used as bulletin or newsletter inserts. Some also provide links to other sites the provide more information about the ministries and mission projects listed.
Apportioned Funds - World Service Fund - Overview
The World Service Fund apportionment is the heart of our United Methodist presence, enabling Christian mission and ministry around the world. We benefit from it, and we share God’s love through it.
Through the World Service Fund, a vast variety of ministries happen—age-level programs, camps and retreats, Christian education, colleges and universities, media, ecumenical cooperation, global mission, leadership training, peace and justice, stewardship, worship and much, much more. When we pay the World Service Fund 100 percent, our gifts—combined with those of other United Methodists—represent the heart, hands and hope of Jesus Christ.
Bulletin Insert (PDF)
About Connectional Giving
What is connectional giving?
It’s as simple as people coming together, combining their money to accomplish something bigger than themselves. United Methodists support apportioned and designated funds through their connectional gifts. By combining several smaller gifts into a larger amount, we can effect change across the world. Individual churches can minister to a small area; however, as a connectional church, we can do big things, all in the name of Jesus Christ. In his own words
What is connectionalism?
One word unique and basic to United Methodism is “connectionalism.” That means simply that all United Methodist leaders and congregations are connected by certain loyalties and commitments that call us to live in covenantal accountability and empower us to be in ministry around the world. Local United Methodist congregations are bound together by a common task and common governance that reach out into the world. United Methodist churches and organizations join in ministry with each other and with other denominations.
Bulletin Insert (PDF)
Connectional Giving and Local Church Leaders - Get Started
Did you know there is a website just for you?
Here you’ll find information tailored to the needs of local church leaders. We understand that the needs of local church leaders differ from a local church member or conference leader, so why should we use a one size fits all approach on our website?
Bulletin Insert (PDF)
Conference Benevolences - Overview
“Apportionments are the way we share in ministry with those beyond ourselves,” says Bishop Susan W. Hassinger, Albany [N.Y.] Area.
“The ministry shares come back to many congregations through resources for local churches, camping programs and spiritual formation opportunities for all ages, support for training clergy, support for retired clergy, superintendent support in times of difficulty in congregations, and the list goes on. [Apportionments are] a sign of the spiritual commitment of giving to others in the name of Christ.”
Conference benevolences fund the mission and ministry of your annual conference. This often includes camping and outdoor programs, colleges and universities, campus outreach, retirement and health facilities, and urban ministry and town/country ministries.
Bulletin Insert (PDF)
The Connection Known as Wyoming Conference
While our name often brings to mind a state in the west, the Wyoming Annual Conference connects nearly 300 United Methodist congregations in parts of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Southern Tier of New York State. More than 62,000 people are members of these congregations, with more than 16,000 of them attending worship services each week.
Wyoming Conference churches have worked hard at being vital congregations for the cause of Christ since 1852. That same mission and vision will continue long after boundaries change July 1, 2010.
What's Important to Us Our Critical Issues
The purpose of the Wyoming Annual Conference can be found in the vision statement adopted by the clergy and lay representatives of the nearly 300 churches that comprise it. Lay persons from these churches serve as Lay Members to Annual Conference where they, along with their pastors, provide leadership and direction for the more than 62,000 persons who are members of the conference's churches.
It makes clear that we are "to assist local churches in making disciples for Christ, so as to transform the world."
The conference is placing special emphasis on two Critical Issues selected by the delegates from these churches for the 2009-2012 Quadrennium. They are:
- “Step out of the church doors and invite all people of the community to encounter God,” and
- “Encourage the discovery of, and resource the use of, God’s good gifts in service to all.”
What is Important to Us - Our Core Values
Important to the members and delegates of the Wyoming Annual Conference are a number of Core Values. These are items that we consider important as we live out our Vision and address our Critical Issues.
- We value that we are the body of Christ and must serve others with unqualified compassion.
- We value the connectional church for its potential to expand our vision of the Church of Jesus Christ and its mission in the world.
- We value ministry that reaches outward.
- We value the rich worship life and mission and ministry life of our congregations.
- We value the sending out of faith-filled, committed, well-trained clergy and laity.
- We value the diversity of humanity and seek full inclusion of all people in the Church of Jesus Christ.
- We value spiritual enrichment opportunities (e.g., conference promoted Disciple Bible Study, Emmaus/Chrysalis, Sky Lake and opportunities offered by other traditions).
- We value seeking a broad consensus in decision making at all levels.
- We value the mandate given by Jesus Christ to serve the poor and marginalized.