Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
In 2019 we received an estate gift from Vae Fultz. Some of you may remember Rev. Fultz as an advocate for the “Hard of Hearing” ministry in our Conference. She had several disabilities herself, including being deaf, but did not let them hinder her min- istry. The United Methodist Foundation is blest to be able to minister to people with disabilities until Jesus returns because of this gift from Rev. Vae Fultz. Through the Larson Trust the United Methodist Foundation disbursed $142,100 dollars to help children and seniors throughout our conference. Local churches were supported by funding of “after school programs,” weekend “snack pack” programs. The Larson Trust also helped with meals on wheels and safety programs for seniors in Knox County. College scholarships were provided for young people who are attending college. Our partnership with Midwest Mission Distribution Center helps them continue their ministry within the United States and around the world. The United Methodist Foundation feels blest to be able to be a conduit of “prudent investments” that create “spiritual dividends,” while bringing the “Kingdom of God” a little closer. Report Item 201: Preachers Aid Society and Benefit Fund Picture your favorite pastor. Take a few seconds to close your eyes and visualize them. Maybe he was your youth pastor. Maybe she introduced you to Christ. Maybe he officiated at your wedding. Maybe she helped you through a difficult time. Envision your favorite pastor. We all have been influenced by a pastor at some point in our lives. How do you want them to live out their retirement years? Since 1869, Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund (PASBF) sole mission has been to serve the “tired and worn out” clergy of the conference. Today, PASBF serves retired clergy, spouses, and surviving spouses, keeping in touch with over 1,100 individuals in 36 different states. In 2024, PASBF offered approximately 20 different ministries and services, distributing close to $2 million in direct benefits to retirees, spouses, and surviving spouses. Who We Serve Preachers’ Aid’s main focus is on retried clergy from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. It does not matter the number of service years, full-time or part-time, or ordination status. All elders, deacons, and local pastors who are in retired status and in good standing with the IGRC are eligible to receive benefits though PASBF. What We Do Imagine you are at the pharmacy to pick up your prescriptions. You are informed the cost for the medications is over $1,000. You must choose between purchasing your prescriptions or paying other bills.
Legislative Items 125
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