Oxford United Methodist Church
Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Missions Funding and Support

 

The OUMC Missions program is comprehensive and represents a significant fraction of total annual expenditures.  Typically, approximately $65,000 will be devoted to Missions programs and projects.  Three different sources of income make up this total: (1) Mission Challenge Giving  (2) Third Mile Giving  (3) Kroger Gift Card Expenditures.  The following paragraphs provide more information about each of these sources.  

 

Mission Challenge Budget

Each year the congregation pledges to contribute money to the OUMC Mission Challenge Budget.  This budget provides monetary support for a wide variety of local, national and international mission projects and programs.  The following table lists the ministries we supported in 2011 through Mission Challenge.  The Committee is currently in the process of drawing up the Mission Challenge budget for 2012 and is looking for congregational input regarding what to support in the coming year.  Missions Committee Chair Alice Laatsch requests that you contact her with your ideas: momlotch@brecnet.com or 513-523-6482 or 513-504-4044.

Third Mile Giving

Third Mile Giving represents the funds we collect each year to meet emergencies and other special needs.  For example, OUMC has lovingly responded to a wide variety of needs, such as:
  • $2,186 was donated and sent to Darfur via Ginghamsburg UMC in Troy, Ohio; and
  • $2799.26 was donated and sent to Tree of Life Ministry in Mission,South Dakota.
  • 34 Health Kits were donated to those affected by the earthquakes in Haiti.
  • A further $5,000 was donated for relief work in Haiti by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
  • Over 2,000 pounds of blankets, coats, and other winter clothing were sent to Tree of Life Ministry in New Mexico.  These gifts made it possible for many persons living in that area to survive a particularly brutal winter when their natural gas supply ran low.  
  • Each year the Oxford Family Resource Center, collaboration with the Talawanda School District and Wal-Mart provides the resources needed for families to buy Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise receive little in the way of presents.  This endeavor is funded through contributions from local churches, businesses and individuals.  The OUMC congregation contributes over $1,000 to this project annually.

Kroger Gift Cards and the Mission Enabling Fund

The Mission Enabling Fund provides funds for persons to participate in Volunteers in Mission projects.  Anyone who worships in our congregation is eligible for support.  You do not have to be a member of the church.  The Mission Enabling Fund also provides assistance for children and youth to attend United Methodist camps and conferences.  (See www.westohiocamps.com for more details about these activities.)  Contact Alice Laatsch (513-523-6482) if you wish to receive support from the Mission Enabling Fund.
 
The Mission Enabling Fund is supported through the use of Kroger Gift Cards by members of the congregation.  Approximately 4% of the value of groceries charged to a card is returned to OUMC.