He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
-Isaiah 40:29-31
The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times in modern-day history. While the burdens of many are significant, the churches of the Alabama-West Florida Conference exemplified their faithfulness by continuing to support the mission and ministry of the Church. The year-end figure of 75.28% demonstrates that even through unprecedented times, our United Methodist connectional system is vital.
“Ten months ago it is safe to say we all began living into an overwhelming amount of uncertainty,” stated Bishop David Graves. “From a global pandemic to denominational uncertainty to political upheaval, there are many reasons that our conference could have used to redirect critical missional dollars. Instead, with a collective effort of a conference reduced budget and creative ministry in 2020, we worked together to accomplish many things and I am most grateful. Many hard decisions happened in 2020 and life simply does not look like anyone ever would have predicted. With God’s faithfulness, your dedication, and prayers of hope we will learn valuable lessons about adaptive leadership to continue the work of the Alabama-West Florida Conference. As 2021 progresses, your continued faithfulness is vital to our work in the conference. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
352 churches fulfilled 100% of their missional apportionment giving.
25 churches fulfilled 75% or more of their missional apportionment giving.
88 churches increased their giving from 2019.
“As the treasurer of the Alabama-West Florida Conference, it was an honor to walk alongside our churches assisting them with payroll protection guidance and the 1/12th apportionment holiday during this historic year,” said Suzanne Krejcar. “Our staff and conference boards and agencies have been mindful of every dollar spent and requested for future budgets. It is our promise to you that your faithful giving will be honored and appreciated.”
The 2021 budget for the Alabama-West Florida Conference was approved at the 2020 virtual session of annual conference in September. For complete missional giving reports by district, click here.