Conference at 66 percent in apportionments as of Oct. 31

By Lillian D. Williams

It is officially the home stretch for 2022 apportioned giving in the South Carolina Conference  of The United Methodist Church.

Conference Treasurer Beth Westbury has set a goal of collecting 93 percent of the $16.7 million total budget. As of Oct. 31, the conference was at 66 percent. That means churches have a little beyond the end of the year to pay 27 percent more in order to meet that goal.

As of Oct. 31, churches have paid about $11 million toward the total, which is 1.12 percent less than last year at that time (or $11.6 million). But that $11 million is 7.2 percent more than churches had paid as of Sept. 30, and Westbury is hopeful churches will meet the goal.

The Walterboro District continues to claim the title of the highest-paying district within the conference, achieving 75.1 percent in apportionments paid. The next highest-paying district is Orangeburg at 72.6 percent. Greenville remains the lowest paying district at 55.2 percent.

As of Oct. 31, 142 churches of the 958 total apportionment churches had paid none of their apportionments, while 299 churches had paid 100 percent.

Apportionments are a method used to aid missions and giving by supporting national or international programs as well as conference staff and operations. There are four categories of apportionments: international, national, regional and local. International supports programs and ministries outside of the United States. National raises funding for United States General Conference administrations. Regional aids programs within the southeastern region. Local helps to produce funding for the South Carolina Conference. 

Some churches are coming up with creative solutions to reach their apportionment goals, including yard sales, silent auctions, bake sales, fundraising dinners and concerts. 

All 2022 payments are due no later than Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, by 4 p.m. in the treasurer’s office. Keep in mind that the treasurer’s office is not responsible for delivery inconveniences that arise. Wires can be accepted if necessary. If choosing to pay by Vanco, the payment must be made by 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10. 

For more information on apportionments, visit https://www.umcsc.org/treasurer/. If you have questions, call 803-786-9486.