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Don't just manage your ministry’s expenses; master them! Unlock the secrets to streamlined finances and empowered spending with our Accountable Reimbursement Handbook! Delve into expertly curated Q&As, real-world examples of proper reimbursement items, and essential forms and worksheets! For more information on how we can support your ministry through finance, click here.

Step into the world of General Conference like never before with our ultimate survival guide! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, our carefully curated checklist ensures you're ready for every moment. From navigating the bustling venue to seizing networking opportunities, we've covered it all. Elevate your General Conference journey today! For more information on how we can support your ministry through travel and meeting planning, click here.

The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is thrilled to announce the release of its latest educational video, "Understanding the UMC’s Budget Process," the third installment in the ongoing "Data-Driven Discernment: Charting Hope at General Conference" campaign. This video is designed to provide members and delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies behind our denomination's budget crafting and allocation. The first two installments of the Data-Driven Discernment series, “Strengthening the Episcopal Fund” and "Journey of a Dollar", illuminate the process of allocating funding for bishops and the intricate path a dollar takes once it enters the offering plate, outlining the financial journey of contributions. “Understanding the UMC’s Budget Process” video explores how our denomination's budget is crafted and allocated, ensuring a thorough understanding of the financial landscape as we approach General Conference. Rev. Moses Kumar, General Secretary of GCFA, emphasizes the importance of financial literacy: "Understanding the budget process is crucial for informed decision-making within our denomination. This video serves as a valuable tool to empower our members with the knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to discussions surrounding financial stewardship." For more information about the "Data-Driven Discernment" campaign and to access the latest video, please visit www.GCFA.org/general-conference.

Nashville, Tennessee – On February 20, 2024, the Boards of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) and The Connectional Table (CT) met and finalized a budget recommendation to the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The final recommended budget has a 2.595% base rate, which represents approximately $346 million in apportionments over the coming four years, a 42.6% reduction from the previous quadrennium representing a more than $257 million decrease. “Although we are navigating challenging financial times, the GCFA Board, along with members of the Connectional Table and the Council of Bishops, are focused on the work before us: ministry and mission,” said Rev. Moses Kumar, General Secretary of GCFA. CT and GCFA affirmed allocations to the apportioned funds that each entity oversees. Under the recommended budget, $78 million is expected to be allocated to the Episcopal Fund, representing a 15.2% decrease. The General Administration Fund is 27.5% lower at $26 million, including an increase to General Conference of 15.4%, or $7 million, in anticipation of a called session in 2026, and a reduction in funding allocated to GCFA of 59.1%. Total allocations to the funds overseen by The Connectional Table include a 49% reduction in funding, at $238 in million total. Chief Connectional Ministries Officer Judi Kenaston said, “We are grateful for the collaborative work of the CT and GCFA as we journey through this new financial reality. With great sacrifice, our general agencies, like our local churches and annual conferences, continue to offer creative leadership, programming, and mission with just five loaves and two fish.” “I am thankful for the work done by these two bodies, though it was a long and cumbersome process,” said Roland Fernandes, General Secretary of Global Ministries. “Though these reductions will negatively impact our ability to participate in mission and ministry around the world, we will continue to serve as best as we can because it is needed more than ever in these challenging times.” The Connectional Table works to steward the mission, vision and ministries of The United Methodist Church. For more information, please visit umcct.org. You can see it at this release: Connectional Table General Council On Finance And Administration Boards Affirm Budget The General Council on Finance and Administration coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests, and rights of the Church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church. To learn more about UMC Support, sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Collaborator or visit www.gcfa.org/services/.

GCFA Releases 2023 Financial Update: A Journey Through the United Methodist Church's Fiscal Landscape As anticipation of the upcoming General Conference, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) proudly announces the "2023 Financial Update" for The United Methodist Church. This comprehensive recap offers members a passport to understanding the fiscal journey that shaped our past year. Key Highlights Include: 1. 2023 Jurisdictional Apportionments: Gain insights into the evolution of jurisdictional apportionments. 2. General Funds Collection Rate: Explore the general funds collection efforts. 3. Central Conference Apportionments: Understand the allocation of apportionments in central conferences. 4. Annual Apportionment Collection: Learn about changes in annual apportionment collections. 5. Total Allocated Apportionments: Get a holistic view of the total apportionments allocated throughout the denomination. "Our 2023 Financial Update is a testament to our commitment to transparency and accountability within The United Methodist Church," said Rev. Moses Kumar, General Secretary of GCFA.

This initiative aligns with our mission to support the fulfillment of the Church's mission through responsible financial and administrative ministries. Our vision to be a trusted administrative resource for The United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to facilitating Christian mission and ministry globally. The quarterly videos serve to embody our core values: promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and adherence to our historic United Methodist traditions and disciplines.

Calling all General Conference attendees! Get ready for an extraordinary experience with our exclusive GCFA General Conference Travel Package, carefully crafted just for you by our Senior Travel and Meeting Manager, Brittany Combs! For more information on how we can support your ministry through travel and meeting planning, click here.

This initiative aligns with our mission to support the fulfillment of the Church's mission through responsible financial and administrative ministries. Our vision to be a trusted administrative resource for The United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to facilitating Christian mission and ministry globally. The quarterly videos serve to embody our core values: promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and adherence to our historic United Methodist traditions and disciplines.

This initiative aligns with our mission to support the fulfillment of the Church's mission through responsible financial and administrative ministries. Our vision to be a trusted administrative resource for The United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to facilitating Christian mission and ministry globally. The quarterly videos serve to embody our core values: promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and adherence to our historic United Methodist traditions and disciplines.

This initiative aligns with our mission to support the fulfillment of the Church's mission through responsible financial and administrative ministries. Our vision to be a trusted administrative resource for The United Methodist Church underscores our commitment to facilitating Christian mission and ministry globally. The quarterly videos serve to embody our core values: promoting fiscal integrity, strategic alliance building, and adherence to our historic United Methodist traditions and disciplines.

Did you know that 90% of cyber-attacks stem from email phishing? Our digital protection checklist is your frontline of defense in strengthening your ministry's email security. From multi-factor authentication to advanced threat protection, our checklist will help you navigate the digital landscape securely. Protect your congregation and maintain the integrity of your ministry's operation today! For more information on how we can support your ministry through technology, click here.

Celebrate the season of love with our collection of free graphics infused with Bible verses about love! This Valentine's Day, adorn your ministry's outreach with the essence of love rooted in biblical teachings. Download now and illuminate hearts with the warmth of God's love. For more information on how we can support your ministry through communications, click here