Here are some basics about the Minnesota Conference’s current financial situation:

The 2014 apportioned budget recently approved by members of the last annual conference session is $6,247,960. This is slightly above the 2013 budget and slightly below the maximum amount, or ceiling, that’s permitted based on Minnesota Conference standing rules. With the addition of the “uncollectible contingency”—the anticipated shortfall in apportionment remittances—the total to be apportioned for 2014 is $6,997,960.

Please be on the lookout for your church’s 2014 apportioned amount, which will be mailed in August. The format of the 2014 apportioned budget is different from years past, so new remittance forms will be required for 2014. The new form will be included in the August mailing.

The budget we approved at annual conference session in May is only part of the financial picture of the Minnesota Conference. We have a larger operating budget that includes the conference health insurance plan, workers compensation voluntary group policy, youth events, and other items.

The 2014 total operating budget is $16.4 million. The total operating budget includes revenues from premiums and fees. It includes medical premiums paid and costs to maintain and/or sell discontinued church buildings that come to the conference through the United Methodist Church’s trust clause (legally, congregations hold titles to their church buildings but do so “in trust” for the whole United Methodist Church—so when a church closes its doors, assets are transferred to the annual conference).

The apportioned budget supports much more than just the items shown in that budget. For example, elected leaders and conference staff oversee and administer the group health plan, help plan youth events, and administer the workers compensation policy. These other functions provide part of the funding for administration, including staff. For example, the health insurance plan helps pay staff who administer the health plan.

Imagine No Malaria success

One of our biggest financial events of the past year was reaching the $2 million contribution milestone for Imagine No Malaria. We hope to complete our pledge of $2.5 million in 2014. Even though we have not yet reached our pledged goal, the $2 million is already at work saving lives. The funds you have contributed are providing bed nets, educational training, medical treatment, and communication tools for the people of Africa to learn about preventing malaria. Thank you for your donations and your commitment to this cause. Please continue to remit your pledged amount so we can meet our goal of eradicating malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. For more information, visit www.imaginenomalaria.org.

There is a complete financial report with 2012 financial highlights, 2014 budget information, and more at www.minnesotaumc.org. Hover over the “Resources” tab and choose “Finance Center.” The treasurer’s report is available for download under “Related Resources” in the green sidebar to the right.

Barbara Carroll is director of finance and administration for the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.