September Response

September 1999

"Where the Money Goes"

"Bible Study: Women Providing for Jesus' Ministry" by Jane A. Bucher

This article, by the Women's Division vice president of finance, looks at the variety of roles that women played in providing and giving to Jesus' ministry. It then explores the historical roles of women within our denomination, the spirit involved in carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ, and our own attitude toward giving. Read this Bible Study.

"Serving New Constituencies in New Times" by Dana Jones

This article looks at concrete examples of United Methodist Women's money at work in national and international mission institutions, and how these institutions have had to change with the times. To continue supporting longtime projects and institutions, the Women's Division has also had to undergo changes for the allocation of Women's Division funds. This article explains the changes that give full responsibility to the Women's Division directors and allows the division to track more closely each dollar.

Also, read the sidebar to this article which is a profile of United Methodist Woman Doris Howard.

"Undesignated Giving Money Goes 'Round the World"

Where in the world does United Methodist Women’s money go?

The maps on pages 17-32 show you. However, by the end of October, these maps will be on the Internet!

United Methodist Women’s undesignated giving makes mission with women, youth and children possible across the United Sates and around the world. United Methodist Women are in mission with people on almost every continent and many islands of the world. Their giving -- close to $20 million a year -- provides food, shelter, education, employment, health care and human-rights advocacy for those most oppressed and forgotten.

The first step in understanding where United Methodist Women’s money goes is to understand that the entire program of the Women’s Division is mission. Money for mission projects is distributed through an "appropriations" process by the elected directors of the division.

Money goes to long-time mission projects -- like girls’ hostels and schools in India that were established more than 100 years ago -- and to emerging ministries, like microcredit programs in Africa and Latin America that allow women to support themselves and their families.

Response shares the story of undesignated-giving dollars in every issue. To find these stories, look for the undesignated-giving symbol -- two interlocking, striped circles within a rectangle -- at the end of articles. Every article carrying this symbol is about a program or person in mission supported through United Methodist Women’s undesignated giving. Watch for at least one such article in each issue; sometimes, like this issue, there are many more.

Study the maps then use them in programs, on bulletin boards, during mission studies, for financial interpretation, and more. The next time a member of your United Methodist Women’s unit asks, "Where in the world does my money go?" you’ll have the answer.

"Uncommon Sense" by Becky Jones

Written by a director of the Women's Division, this article looks at some of the best advice we've received from our elders. One piece of advice, "tithe early so it will be easier when you grow up," seems to have been tainted as it's been passed on through generations. As a woman born in the 60's, Ms. Jones looks at this piece of advice as a young woman and from a Biblical perspective. Read this article.

"Supporting Mission Workers Around the World" by A. Victoria Hunter

This article explores the numerous mission programs for youth and adults that United Methodist Women's giving supports. It looks at the stories of the mission personnel who are serving around the world, the new directions for this support, and the critical needs for mission work. Read this article.

Other Articles:

See also: