2017 Bishop's Offering

“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)

Many of you are aware that each year our Bishop of North Georgia United Methodism (Sue Harpert-Johnson) designates an annual “Bishop’s Mission Offering” to be collected by North Georgia United Methodist churches in the weeks leading up to Annual Conference, and then shared by each church’s delegates at a worship service during Conference.

This year, Bishop Sue has announced that our 2017 Bishop’s Mission Offering will support United Methodism’s Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) to provide educational funds for seminary students and licensed local pastors – resources to help train upcoming pastors and church leaders. This past year (since Fall 2016), 163 North Georgia seminary students enrolled in United Methodist seminaries and Asbury seminary received $430,010 in MEF grants for tuition and associated expenses.  And while it’s true that the main source of MEF is through General Church apportionments given by United Methodists in our local churches, this year’s Bishop's Offering will supplement the apportioned funds. Since a recent General Board of Higher Education commissioned study showed that a typical UM seminary student graduates with an average student loan debt of $50,000, these grants will enable some who are otherwise unable to attend seminary, and will enable others not to need to go into debt simply to receive a seminary degree.

Visit the following link to watch a short video featuring some of our North GA beneficiaries of MEF.  The need is great, the mission is worthwhile, and the results provide called, gifted and educated pastors for our churches throughout North Georgia United Methodism.  So, I invite you to give generously to help men and women around our state to answer God’s call to serve His church.  Make your check payable to LaGrange First UMC and designate either it or cash to “Bishop’s Mission Offering.” 

We’ll be collecting funds through June 7^th, and will present our church’s combined check during the offering time at the Annual Conference afternoon worship service on Wednesday, June 14^th.  Remember that God loves you and I do, too. 

(P.S., For more information visit HERE)