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Members of First United Methodist Church, Killeen,
Many of you ask about the significance of the altar rail offerings we receive each month. Let me give you some specifics about some ministries that may be unfamiliar to you. Each month, we take up an altar rail offering that is “earmarked” for particular missions/ministries. You may not even be aware of the origin of the Altar Rail Offering. So, let’s talk about it!
The Altar Rail Offering
Kneeling at the chancel rail (often called the altar rail) for communion or prayer is a long-held tradition in Methodism. In earlier Methodist tradition, a bench used for prayer, confession, and repentance was known as the "mourner's bench".
The "Altar Rail Offering" is not a standardized or church-wide special offering in every United Methodist Church, but rather a practice observed by some local congregations. Its origin is rooted in the broader history of communion practices and the historical use of the altar rail in Methodist worship, with local churches designating the funds for specific missions.
The practice of leaving an offering at the rail after receiving communion is a symbolic act of returning a gift to God. They are considered a “love offering” that goes above and beyond our regular financial giving. The funds collected are used for designated mission/ministries, which (for us), change monthly. Some of our Altar Rail offerings coincide with UMC’s denomination-wide (global) observances, called, “Special Sundays.”
Special Sundays are observed on the same Sunday throughout United Methodism (globally). Outside of Special Sundays, local churches may choose their own missions/ministries to give to. These are the missions/ministries our altar rail offerings support and a bit of information about each one.
January - Human Relations Day is a special Sunday across our denomination, focused on fostering better relationships and supporting community and youth outreach. On the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, we take up a special offering to help bring his vision of a “beloved community” to life. Your gifts support important programs like Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services, and youth programs.
February - Aldersgate Enrichment Center is a faith-based non-profit organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with special needs. Even though we are very proud of our Methodist roots, we stand firmly, as an independently-funded, non-denominational organization with strong Christian values. Our two main focuses are our vocational program and our residential program.
Relief Fund Offerings:
March - United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is a UMC Global Ministry supporting disaster relief efforts. The month of April’s offering is dedicated to disaster relief in our Horizon Texas Conference area.
May’s offering is dedicated to the Horizon Texas Conference, Annual Conference Session. June is dedicated to the UMC and/or local church “Emergency Fund." This fund may be used in local church communities (local natural/weather-related events/disasters).
July - Native American Ministries Sunday (a special Sunday). United Methodists are called to recognize and honor the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society and church. The United Methodist Church acknowledges a gap in understanding Native American life and culture, while affirming the sacredness of Indigenous peoples, their languages, their unique identities and their contributions to the church and the world. Contributions help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within each United Methodist annual conference and provide scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry.
August - is dedicated to our own Congregational Care emphasis. This local church ministry provides funds to the congregants who are in crisis or take care of unexpected needs members may have and they have no other way or local resources for getting help. The help is not on-going. Also, the aid provided may not meet the full amount required. The Care Team will discern the type and amount that can be given to the specific need. The Congregational Care Team may also order specific supplies that may be necessary for specific ministries to function. Monies may also be used for emergency transportation, aiding our “seasoned” members with home upkeep and lawn care needs.
September - FEED THE NEED is a program wherein faithful members of FUMC, Killeen receive donated food items. These food items are used to make hot meals and sack lunches for the unhoused population in the downtown Killeen area. Volunteers enjoy a time of witness and fellowship, as we interact with the people we serve on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month (10 am - 11:30 am).
October - World Communion Sunday (a special Sunday observed globally). On World Communion Sunday Christians around the globe celebrate World Communion Sunday. It is a day to remember that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and that every Christian Church and any denomination that promotes Christian unity are one. On this day, people draw faith and inspiration from seeing that they are part of a community that boasts millions of believers and worshippers.
November - Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center has two major ministries. In the fall and spring, the facility is a retreat center serving churches and groups, as a place to get away from distractions and focus on their relationship with God. In the Summer, Glen Lake Camp is the host to over 2,000 children, who come from all over Texas. Glen Lake Camp and Retreat Center offers lodging in air-conditioned cabins and lodges, plus amenities such as an on-site water park with a lazy river and slide, a zip line, team-building courses, lake and river access with activities like canoeing, and a gym with various sports courts and games. Complimentary recreational activities include hiking, softball, volleyball, basketball, and fishing, with add-on options such as archery and rock climbing. Glen Lake Camp offers an on-site chapel used for worship services.
December - United Methodist Student Sunday (a special Sunday) is observed to emphasize the value of education. Contributions received through this special Sunday support scholarships for United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. This includes programs like the Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope Scholarship, designated for undergraduates with at least three years of membership in The United Methodist Church. This special Sunday was once observed on the last Sunday in November; but was moved to May, at the 2024 General Conference.
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