Administration

First quarter letter from the conference treasurer

April 2008

Dear Church Treasurers and Nebraska United Methodist Congregations,

As I review the mission share support during the first quarter of 2008 from all Nebraska congregations, I am encouraged by the wonderful generosity and commitment. This represents how our connectional work together is truly making a difference in the lives of people across the globe.

I am reminded of the following Bible verse found in Proverbs 3:9 "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops." Often in today's society we seem to smother ourselves with material possessions. We have houses, cars, and clothes, but still find ourselves working not to earn a living but to pay for everything we have or want to acquire. This can cause us to become controlled by our possessions. In the parable found in Luke 12, Jesus condemns the rich man for relying on riches and not trusting God. If we have abundant possessions, let us consider how we can use them to serve God and neighbor. In Luke 12:34, we need to be reminded that "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

I wish to express my thanks and appreciation for your support of Conference Ministries. The enclosed summary shows our progress and compares it with 2007, showing a slight increase in mission share giving over 2007. Other missional giving, however, shows a slight decrease.
Please know that your gifts help train new pastors, encourage and promote camping ministries, equip local churches, support new churches starting in several communities, and revitalize our existing congregations. Your mission share dollars assist in technology upgrades, support campus ministry, and encourage strength in many other ministries. With God's help we can continue to be a vital, active witness to our community, state, country, and our world.

Your partner in ministry,

Robin R. Kilgore
ConferenceTreasurer/Director of Administrative Services
rkilgore@umcneb.org