An Episcopal Letter about the Hope Fund

The United Methodist Church
Washington, DC Area
Baltimore-Washington Conference
Bishop John R. Schol

Washington Office 100 Maryland Avenue, NE, Suite 510; Washington, DC 20002; 202.546.3110
Columbia Office 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046; 410.309.3400
bishopsoffice@bwcumc.org ; www.bwcumc.org ; Facsimile-202.546.3186

Bishop's Crest

April 26, 2007

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The clergy and laity of the Baltimore-Washington Conference are hope for people throughout our region and around the world.

To strengthen our ministry with others, we began the Hope Fund to raise $1,000,000 by Annual Conference of 2008. Already we have $500,000 in pledges and $200,000 in contributions. You are a hopeful people! Thank you for all you are doing. Your contributions will assist in:

1. Educating pastors and starting new congregations and clinics in Zimbabwe

2. Eliminating Aids around the world

3. Rebuilding churches along the gulf coast

I would like to see us have the largest one day offering in the history of the Baltimore-Washington Conference for the Hope Fund on the first day of the May 24 – 26, 2007 Session of Annual Conference. We can do this if all of our congregations take a special offering between now and Annual Conference for the Hope Fund. We can receive the largest one day offering at Annual Conference and make a difference in the lives of people if:

1. All of our congregations participate

2. We receive at least an average gift of $3-5 per worshiper

3. Trust God will make a difference through us around the world

I anticipate each lay member will come to Annual Conference this year with an offering from their congregation. Please place it in an envelope and mark your church’s name, address and district so your congregation will receive credit.

You are encouraged to use the promotional materials that we have provided. In the fall a DVD was sent from me to each pastor with a five minute message to the congregation about the Hope Fund. I hope you will share this with your congregation. Also you can find additional resources on our Web site.

Again, thank you for being a hopeful people and people who give generously for others.

Your bishop and brother in Christ,

John
John R. Schol, Bishop