By Randy Bowman, Desert Southwest Conference Treasurer
November apportionment receipts were at the average monthly level for 2021. Our total apportionment receipts through November (including one month paid by the Conference for all churches) were well above last year’s level and about the same as our 10-year historical average. Excluding the apportionments paid by the Conference, we were behind in terms of apportionment receipts. Through 11/30/2021, we had received 72.1% in total apportionments – 8.3% paid by the Conference and 63.8% paid by our churches. That compares to 66.1% last year and an historical average of 72.1%.
Year-to-date apportionment receipts are detailed by district as follows:November apportionment receipts are detailed by church on the following 4 pages. At this rate, we currently project an overall year-end apportionment contribution percentage (including the 8% paid by the Conference) of about 80%. We will continue to monitor these results and report to you again after yearend results are finalized. Note that all 2021 apportionment remittances must be received in the Conference office by Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Overall, the Conference remains in strong financial shape. Our available cash reserves improved to $3.3 million (up again from last month but still slightly below our peak). We had an overall operating deficit of $94,000 due to payment of our general church apportionments at 100%, payment of one month of apportionments for all churches in the Conference, and COVID-impacted losses in our camp and retreat ministries. This operating deficit was lower than it might have been as a result of reduced travel, operating efficiencies, and lower staff costs in all other areas of ministry. So we are thankful for that, just as we are thankful for your continued support of our connectional system through your apportionment contributions. Remember that apportionments are a way to look beyond just ourselves. Please do all that you can to help our churches and our ministries continue to change lives by contributing apportionments as fully as possible in the last month of 2021. Thanks again for your commitment; it truly provides the financial
stability for our connectional programs to work.
Click here to download the detailed report or click here to visit the apportionments web page and find detailed reports for previous months too.