At The Crossroads
October 2015 Newsletter from Crossroads UMC
The Pastor's Perspective
What's and Apportionment?
Apportionments start with understanding how we organize the United Methodist Church. The UMC is a “connectional” church. This is different than “congregational” or “non-denominational” churches. UMC’s are like a tightly organized franchise. Other churches are like independently owned and operated businesses. There are strengths and weaknesses to each model.
Congregational churches practice independent church governance. They are accountable to themselves and make their own rules. UMC’s have by-laws agreed upon through a large group process that we consistently follow at every church. Congregational church budget money stays in the local church unless they fund something beyond their church’s ministries. We take care of our local church and send around 10% of our budgeted funds to the general church.
The UMC denomination has about 8,500,000 members in 41,000 connected congregations throughout the world. Through apportionments each church accomplishes what no single church could hope to do alone. "We combine our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness to make a significant difference in the lives of God's people all around the world" (from our umc.org webpage).
The apportionment amount to each UMC church is based on our budget numbers from the previous year. The conference treasurer combines this information in a formula that results in a figure that is usually around 10% of our annual budget. For 2016 our General Church apportionment amounts we be $28,515.00. $19,777 goes to the North Georgia Conference ministry budget and $8,670 goes to the General Church.
Here’s an explanation of where the money goes:
Items in the North Georgia Budget:
Retired Ministers Pension and Insurance Benefits $5,548.00
Funding for the past service of 600+ retirees in the pre-1982 pension and health benefits plan. We are repairing the unfunded liability that many pension plans are dealing with.
Ministerial Support $3,463.00
Bishop office expenses, District Superintendent Salaries and benefits, Board of Ordained Ministry expenses (the recruiting and evaluation of new pastors happens with them)
Church Development $3,286.00
This operates our new church planter salaries, existing church support, and office support for the program.
Conference Benevolences $3,186.00
Conference staff salaries, camping and retreat ministries, and conference wide program ministry teams
Conference Administration $2,590.00
Office of the treasurer and financial training workshops in the conference
Higher Education $1,659.00
Organizational support to 9 UMC related colleges, 18 Wesley foundations, and office expenses
Capital Funding $45.00
Office equipment for recent move to new headquarters
Southeastern Jurisdiction Fund $68.00
Support for the facility at Lake Junaluska where the Jurisdictional conference is held.
For the work done in the General Church:
World Service Fund $4,377.00
Support for our missionaries and missions with the General Board of Global Ministries
Ministerial Education Fund $1,503.00
Financial support to recruit future pastors through grants and scholarships (25% of this fund stays in North Georgia)
Episcopal Fund $1,411.00
Pays the salaries and benefits for 69 active Bishops and 100 retired Bishops around the world
Black College Fund $599.00
Support for operations and capital funding for historically black colleges in in the US.
General Administration Fund $528.00
General conference expenses and General counsel on finance committee expenses
Africa University Fund $134.00
Support for a United Methodist school in Mutare, Zimbabwe
Interdenominational Cooperation Fund $118.00
Supports UMC presence in ecumenical organizations such as National Council of Churches, World Council of Churches, and World Methodist Council as well as other Pan-methodist commissions.
We all support mission and ministry around the world and in our backyard through these budget items. I hope Crossroads UMC will rise to the challenge to replenish our safety net of our church account so that we can fully support the work of United Methodists around the world. Here’s some more information if you would like to read more: http://www.umc.org/how-we-serve/apportioned-funds
In Christ,
Past Month's Events
VARSITY SUNDAY
KID ZONE
Church Events Coming Soon
Marriage Enrichment Group
On October 4th from 5:00PM—7:00PM in the Sanctuary, we’re starting back with our Marriage Enrichment Group. From newlyweds to empty nesters and blended families, anyone who wants to strengthen their marriage is invited to become a part of our monthly couples group. A typical evening includes light food, introduction to an insightful and fun couple’s exercise, and then a short time of reflection and discussion. RSVP for Childcare. Contact Rev. Zack Martin for more info at 770-388-7438 or zack.martin@crossroadsumc.net.
Scripture Reading Orientation
Want to practice public speaking by reading scripture during worship? Then please join this special training event for new and old scripture readers on October 4th at 10:00am in the sanctuary. This event is led by Mary Lynn Luke. You’ll learn some helpful tips on making your presentation of scripture more understandable and smooth with our new sound system. Please RSVP to secretary@crossroadsumc.net or 770-388-7438.
Exploring Arts Meeting
Exploring Arts monthly meeting is October 7th at 10:00am and October 21st at 4:30pm in the Pathfinders Room. For more information please contact Mary Jane Lea at 770-789-5836 or maryjanelea@gmail.com.
Wednesday Night Supper
MENU
Chicken Tenders
Creamed Corn
Green Beans
Squash Casserole
Candied Yams
Fruit Salad
Rolls
Iced Tea & Lemonade
Banana Pudding
Youth Parent Meeting
On October 18th at 5:00PM—5:30PM in the Sanctuary, Rachel Blanchette, our amazing Youth Leader, will be holding a Youth Parent Meeting. Parents, please join us before Youth on Sunday to talk about the youth program this year. We will discuss future plans and how we can make this a fun, spirit-filled year!! Please contact Rachel for more information at 810-300-0770 or rachel.blanchette@crossroadsumc.net.
“Ask: Finding answers to hard questions in a skeptical age.”
Fall Pastor’s Class--“Ask: Finding answers to hard questions in a skeptical age.”
Wednesday’s 6:00—7:00pm, October 21st to December 9th
We live in a skeptical age. People express doubts about Christian faith in our complex world. Join us for this thought provoking 7 week study beginning on October 21. Rev. Zack Martin will facilitate the class. This new series was created by Bishop Scott J. Jones, the bishop of the Kansas City area, to address hard questions that all of us face when considering faith, religion, and the church.
Topics we’ll consider: Can only one religion be true? Why is there suffering and evil? How can I believe in science and creation? How can I believe in a God I can't prove? Can I trust the Old Testament? Are marriage, sex, and family life religious issues? Why do Christians disagree about so many things?
Contact zack.martin@crossroadsumc.net for more information.
Trunk or Treat
Come to Worship,Stay for Candy!!!!
It’s time to clean it out that junk in your trunk and decorate it for the CUMC Trunk Or Treat! On Sunday, October 25th, after the 11:00AM worship service. Crossroads members are encouraged to decorate your car trunk and hand out candy to children at the trunk or treat. If you’re interested in signing up your trunk, please sign up in the Narthex. Candy donations and volunteers are also welcome.
For more information please contact Leigh Martin at 678-360-8935 or leighsmartin@gmail.com.
Please only friendly costumes!!!!
Operation Christmas Child "Shoebox Ministry"
Crossroads UMC would like to make a child's Christmas a little more special this year. From September 27th till November 8th, we are collecting Shoeboxes! We have set our goal at 100 boxes!! They are very easy to make, just follow the simple directions on the insert in this weeks bulletin! If you have any questions contact Jennifer Edwards at jedwards_17@yahoo.com or Brenda Edward at brendasedwards@comcast.net !
Pajama Sunday
Crossroads UMC High School Hangout
The Youth High School students meet each Tuesday at 7:00PM, at Awake Coffee Community located in Olde Town Conyers. If you are interested in attending please contact Rachel Blanchette for more information at 810-300-0770 or rachel.blanchette@crossroadsumc.net.
Kids Club
Crossroads Men's Club
HAPPY HEARTS
CLEO--Christian Ladies Eating Out
Promise Keepers Breakfast
UMW Meeting Tuesday,October 20th at 6:00PM
Visit www.unitedmethodistwomen.org for more information.
The Piecemakers
Men's Breakfast
Crossroads Shut-In List
Many of you have asked about our church members and friends who can no longer make it to Sunday Services and other fellowship events. Below is a current list with contact information if you would like to reach out to them. We ask that you keep them all in your prayers and thoughts.
Donna Peek
4421 Ga Hwy 20
Conyers, Ga 30012
770-483-7612
James and Barbara Finlayson
1502 Renaissance Dr.
Conyers, Ga 30012
678-562-4068
Beatrice Hester
1811 Spring Street
Conyers, Ga 30012
770-483-8063
Ruby Straley
1611 Pratt Rd
Covington, Ga 30014
770-786-2599
Katherine Edwards
3884 LaVista Rd, RM 115
Tucker, GA 30084
770-938-2027
Jimmy and Anne Jones
560 Edwards Rd
Oxford, GA 30054
770-786-7256
Louise Shirreffs
1360 Enchanted Lake Drive NE
Conyers, GA 30012
770-313-8411 or 770-313-6142.
Effe Ashong
1500 Callaway Loop
Conyers, GA 30012
770-760-1075
Anne Guest ( Rockdale HealthCare Rehab.)
Room: # 204-B
1510 Reniassance Dr
Conyers, GA 30012
770-483-4480
Shirley Rice
601 Breedlove Dr. #307
Monroe, GA 30655
770-207-6045
Upcoming Worship Information
Worship Volunteers
October 4th
World Communion Sunday
9:00AM
Scripture: Rosie Bucknor
Communion Servers: Gwen Carroll, Cheryl and David Copple
11:00AM
Scripture: Brenda Hutson
Communion Servers: Felton Floyd, Debbie Carney and Peggy White
Acolytes: Mallory Hammonds and Dawson Hammonds
October 11th
Laity Sunday
9:00AM
Scripture: Bruce Carey
11:00AM
Scripture: Steve Brinson
Acolytes: Emily Page and Chloe Boyd
October 18th
9:00AM
Scripture: David Copple
11:00AM
Scripture: Susan Brinson
Acolytes: Evan Boyd and Grant Preiss
October 20th
9:00AM
Scripture: Joel Crissman
11:00AM
Scripture: Brenda Edwards
Acolytes: Hannah Hanson and Clayton Compton
Happy Birthday! October 2015
10/08 Gary Bryant
10/09 Kevin Hall
10/11Dot Musgrove
10/12 Jean Hambrick
10/13 Wendy McCalmon
10/15 Mary Jane Lea
10/15 Jan Middleton
10/16 Robert McKinnon
10/18 Weyman Owens Sr.
10/19 Magan Munger
10/19 Rustie Morris
10/20 Louise Melton
10/21 Ron Hall
10/22 Pat Harwell
10/24 Cliff Williams
10/25 Drew Yaun
10/26 Michelle Allen
10/26 Cindy Dodd
10/27 Cory Dukes
10/27 Rachel Bailey
10/29 Nancy Crissman
10/29 Natalie Smith
10/30 Stephanie Boyd
10/30 Alison Cartlidge
November 2015 Newsletter Deadline
The deadline to get information into the November 2015 Newsletter is Monday, October 26th by 2PM. Please submit all articles, information, and pictures to secretary@crossroadsumc.net or call 770-388-7438.
If you wish to receive a mailed copy of the church's monthly newsletter, please contact the church office at secretary@crossroadsumc.net or 770-388-7438.
Crossroads United Methodist Church
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00AM - 2:00PM
Email: secretary@crossroadsumc.net
Website: www.crossroadsumc.net
Location: 2460 State Highway 138, Conyers, GA, United States
Phone: 770-388-7438
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Crossroads-UMC-Conyers/227593134052091