With $10.5 million total given in apportionments for 2014, the California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church is celebrating continued growth in Conference ministry and financial vitality.

“What we are experiencing is the faithfulness of God and Cal-Pac’s trust in God,” says Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño.

“This is a sacred sign that God has given us a mighty vision and all the resources we need to work with God to fulfill it.  I am so thankful for the witness of our congregations and their bold witness.”

The total of $10,512,205.55 is a notable increase from 2013 ($9,799,319.02 total given) and marks another year in which total expenses did not exceed total income as well as a year in which there was no need for a line of credit or to incur any other debt.

200 local churches gave, or exceeded, 100% of the apportionment commitment of the congregation.  In addition, some mission congregations, who are not required to give to the apportionments because of their stage of development, made voluntary financial contributions.

“The first word that comes to mind when I see these numbers is grateful,” shares Archana Carey, Conference Treasurer and Executive Director of Finance and Facilities.

“And, I am humbled by the generosity of our local church congregants empowering the vision of our Conference as a whole.  I also acknowledge the support and collaboration of our EMT’s who worked hard to keep expenses at an optimal level.”

This level of giving powered active ministries throughout the Connection that inspire the world as passionate followers of Jesus Christ so all may experience God’s life-giving love.

Here are just some of the numbers that tell the 2014 story:

• $2,345,229 given to the General Church from Cal-Pac, including 100% of apportioned contribution to Africa University
• $195,726 given in 2014 through Special Sunday offerings
• $75,675 given to the Western Jurisdiction from Cal-Pac
• $30,000 given in scholarships to 130 children and youth for summer camp, “Get Jesus!” from Camp and Retreat Ministries
• $15,000 in grants to 12 churches, representing every district, for ministry with the poor, resourced by the Justice and Compassion EMT
• 900+ hours of training held for Spanish speaking congregations on United Methodist Church polity and theology, resourced by Hispanic/Latino Ministries
• 100+ persons inspired and informed on contemporary communications principles through communications laboratories (c.lab) resourced by the Office of Communications
• 25 locations for Messy Church, a monthly gathering for multi-generational ministry reaching new demographics resourced by New Ministries EMT
• 12 workshops over 4 districts on health insurance and staff employment resourced by Human Resources
• 4 financial workshops at the North District Leadership Training and other locations resourced by Resource EMT
• 3 exciting ministries: Hollywood UMC’s new Toluca Lake Campus with 5PM Sunday worship, Los Angeles Korean Gospel Mission in Koreatown, Los Angeles, and Westwood UMC’s The Loft, all resourced by New Ministries EMT