La Canada United Methodist Church is not on the “100% List” this month and had struggled with Apportionment giving for years. But, through the leadership of Rev. Elaine Cho and the determination of the congregation, La Canada UMC went from “giving what seems to be affordable” to “what is the faithful amount to give,” raising over $12,000 in a month for Apportionment giving in addition to the ongoing fundraising for new carpet, reupholstering the pews, and redoing the steps to the church office.
The initiative was obviously not without hard work. Rev. Cho believes that the Bible teaches that tithing is the minimum that we give to the Lord and that Apportionment giving ought to be considered as tithing, not a “tax,” to the greater Church. So, Rev. Cho visited potential donors, preached sermons and sent letters to the congregation to inform, equip, and encourage Apportionment giving.
“The true result of our giving effort,” says Rev. Cho, “is the way our minds have changed, our hearts have been encouraged, and our lives have been transformed to put God first and take risks in living out our identity as a people of faith. We are hopeful about our own future and that of other congregations because we know that it is the Holy Spirit, present at every church, that makes such fruitfulness possible.”
This October, we celebrate with gladness churches such as La Canada United Methodist Church and also that the number of churches at, or exceeding, 100% Apportionment Giving has risen to 22:
East District
- Community UMC of Wrightwood
- Pomona Valley Chinese UMC
- Trinity UMC of Whittier
Hawaii District
- Kam-Nam UMC (103%)
- Pacific Islanders UMC (100%)
- Aldersgate UMC Hawaii
- Christ UMC
- First Tongan UMC of Hawaii
- Honoka’a UMC
- Lihue United Church
- Na’alehu UMC
North District
- First UMC of San Fernando
- Simi Valley UMC
South District
- Community UMC of Borrego Springs
- Holtville UMC
- Mission Hills UMC
West District
- Huntington Park First UMC (115%)
- Inglewood First UMC
- Lynwood UMC
- Pico Rivera UMC
- Silverado UMC
