Appointment season begins

Beginning this month, for the 226th time, the Baltimore-Washington Conference will appoint pastors to serve its 679 churches. As this process begins, prayers are being sought from United Methodists throughout the region.

This year, 29 clergy will be retiring, including two Guides who serve on the Conference staff.

According to a report from the bishop's office, 28 full-time appointments will be available: 16 because of retirements; four because pastors are going on leave of absence, incapacity leave or another status and at least nine churches will be realigning, merging or moving to a cooperative parish structure because of financial issues or dwindling worship attendance.

It is anticipated that 38 clergy will need appointments.

In making the appointments, the bishop and Cabinet will be considering the issues that more than 30 churches have, over the years, accumulated $500,000 of unpaid clergy health and pension benefits. In addition, there are 100 churches in the conference that have not paid their full apportionments. These unpaid apportionments total more than $1.5 million.

Before the end of March, the Cabinet expects to complete all full-time appointments; part-time appointments will be announced in April and May.

To learn more about the appointment process, visit www.bwcumc.org/appointments.