We will receive two offerings—one for Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean, and another for technology grants for rural, small membership churches. You are encouraged to receive an offering in your local church and bring it with you to Lakeland. Donations can also be made online here.
Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean
began 30 years ago through the General Board of Global Ministries as a way to provide for perpetual ministry for Jesus Christ in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Encounter with Christ is a permanent fund that provides for grants to be awarded to ministries in this region that align with four key focus areas: evangelization, leadership development, ministries with youth and children, and ministries with persons of indigenous or African heritage. The fund currently holds nearly $3M in principal and in 2018 reached the milestone of having awarded $1M in grants to ministries in the region. For more information go to http://umc-encounter.org/.
Technology grants for rural, small membership churches
We know that the pandemic increased the need for technology so churches could offer hybrid ministry both in person and on-line. Our smaller, rural churches are in need of support to meet these technology needs. These grants will go to churches who have proven the ability to have faithful hybrid ministry. Churches wishing to apply for a grant should go here.
Our fundamental goal in the stewardship of these resources – both people, our laity and clergy, and money – is that we follow Jesus into the world that he loves and join him in his mission to love, heal, and save the people of Florida. We are discovering that we need new skills and capacities to fulfill this calling.