The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide. #GivingTuesday aims to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season.
This year, Higher Education and Ministry is asking its constituents and fellow United Methodists to honor UM students by donating to scholarship funds administered by its Office of Loans and Scholarships. The office provides more than 70 scholarships to UM students, offers student loans at better rates than comparable federal loans and advises students on educational financing. One hundred percent of funds received go directly to students. Offerings are graciously accepted online at bit.ly/UMCScholarships.
“The Loans and Scholarships Office at Higher Education and Ministry is designed to fund as many eligible leaders for the church as possible,” says Allyson Collinsworth, executive director of Loans and Scholarships. “The United Methodist Church believes in affirming educational opportunities to assist our leaders with what they need. By continuing to support young people in their education, the church is grooming the next generation of leaders.”
Fostering higher education is a cornerstone value of The United Methodist Church. Scholarship donations enrich ministry and connect students to their faith. When the church supports the education and dreams of its young people, it is actively supporting its own future. Young people hold the key to the church’s ongoing mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ who will transform the world.
#GivingTuesday, on Dec. 1, 2015, is held annually in the United States on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is widely recognized along with the shopping events of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #GivingTuesday is intended to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to help improve their local communities and give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
Those who are interested in joining Higher Education and Ministry’s #GivingTuesday initiative can visit the agency’s Facebook and Twitter profiles (@GBHEM) for updates. Scholarship donations are graciously accepted at bit.ly/umcscholarships
About GBHEM: As the leadership development agency of The United Methodist Church, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s mission is to prepare global leaders for a global church and the world. Every elder, deacon and licensed local pastor benefits from our training and candidacy programs. Many young adults find help in clarifying their vocation and God’s call on their lives through our leadership and discernment programs. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook: @GBHEM.
About #GivingTuesday: #GivingTuesday is a movement to celebrate and provide incentives to give. The 2015 iteration will be on Dec. 1. This effort harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners – nonprofits, businesses and corporations, as well as families and individuals – to transform how people think about, talk about and participate in the giving season. #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they celebrate and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday harnesses the power of social media to create a global moment dedicated to giving around the world. To learn more about #GivingTuesday participants and activities or to join the celebration of giving, please visit: www.givingtuesday.org
