In order to answer some questions about finances around The Orchard Oxford, here is some information that you might want to know about our offerings and support.

The Bible talks about money (it's uses and dangers) as much as just about anything else, so it is our hope that we would be so fiscally responsible that we would never shy away from having an honest, frank conversation about it.

In the "planting" phase of our church, we have been graciously supported by both the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church and The Orchard (our sister church) in Tupelo.  They have both been willing to help us financially for the first three years, until we are able to be self-sustained.  Until then, our budget is part of The Orchard's overall budget and our spending is ultimately overseen by the Lead Pastor and Administrative Pastor in Tupelo.  All of our checks are written from Tupelo and all of the gifts we take up as an offering are added to our budget line there.

Question: If we are fully supported for the next 3 years, then why is it important that I give before then?

Two Reasons.  First, in order for our church to begin to make the long-term impact on Oxford that God has called us to, we should strive for our ministries to be self-sustaining as soon as possible.  There is no doubt that any of the seed money that has been set aside for the planting of our church that is not used will be rerouted for something else that needs resources, both within the Conference and The Orchard Tupelo.

The second - and most important - reason: we have a Biblical mandate to put our resources where our worship is.  It is just one more way for us to allow God to become more and more a part of our lives. Having said that, our offering on Sunday nights will always be primarily intended for people who are beginning to call The Orchard their home.  We hope that any guests who have come will have received something from being there and give only if they feel prompted to do so.  We believe that so much that we'll say it almost every week.

The reverse side of that statement is equally important.  Once a person has decided to be a part of the life of our church, to use their gifts, and to be a part of the mission that God has called us to in this town, there is a responsibility for them to also share their resources to make sure all those things can happen.  This is another one of the beautiful ways that God will use to draw us closer to himself and to each other.

Question:  What is the long-term plan for our church's finances?

As we begin to stand up on our own feet, we will begin putting together a team of financially-responsible leaders who will oversee the formation of our budget, the quarter-to-quarter spending, discussion over big expenditures and staff salaries.

On another note:

click here for more information about other ways our community is working through financial giving.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us at theorchardoxford@gmail.com.