Lithuania United Methodist Church
Friday, September 10, 2010
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

How to Become a Partner Church

How to Become a “Partner” with Lithuania
The Mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Chris for the transformation of the world.  Local churches provide the most significant arena through which discipleship-making occurs.
 
 
 
Opportunities for Mission Partners in Lithuania
The partner relationships between our congregations in Lithuania and partner congregations in the US, Germany and Norway have been critical to the reestablishment of the United Methodist Church in Lithuania. The ultimate goal is of course to become self-sufficient but in the interim these partner relations provide financial and spiritual support between these congregations.
To be in a partner relationship includes:
  • Listening to one another openly and without judgment.
  • Understanding and becoming sensitive to each other's cultures.
  • Exploring the "true connectionalism" of United Methodism.
  • Sharing resources in response to spiritual and material needs.
  • Sharing the love of Jesus Christ through ministry together.
As time and circumstances have changed, so have the needs for partner churches. Some partner churches have moved on to support other ministries. In addition, as some of our local churches have developed so have their partner needs.
 
How to Become a Partner Church
Commit 3 years to a partner congregation:
  • Contribute each year in financial support (typically ranges from $3600 to $4200).
  • Send a team to visit and make friends.
  • Learn about the culture of your partner church.
  • Share stories of personal faith together.
  • Work together on a mission project.
  • Become a “Partner with Pastors” for salary support. There is no minimum amount but we recommend a commitment of at least $1000 annually.
Partnering Opportunities Immediately Available
  • Vilnius Church: Located in thecapital of Lithuania this small congregation currently has no partner churches. The costs related to rent and utilities are higher here than in any other place in Lithuania. Partners are needed for General Support and also for their after school program which meets 6 days each week. Lithuanian Elder, Giedrius Jablonskis is currently pastor.
  • Pilviskiai Church: The site of a Methodist Congregation before WWII, a new building has been built and ministries expanded. Green Bay UMC continues to be a long term partner but an additional partner church is needed to meet the increasing utility costs in the country and also to allow for the expansion of humanitarian ministries. Lithuanian Elder, Viktorija Jablonskiene is pastor.
  • Eiguliai Church: Located in Kaunas this congregation is in need of new rental space for the interim and are looking permanent property for the long term. We are in need of an additional partner church to help support operating costs and to allow the rental of a more suitable property. Missiionary Bonnie Campbell is pastor.
  • Panevezys Chruch: This congregation has outgrown its current rental facilities. Many Sundays they must sit two to a chair. What a wonderful problem. We are in need of an additional partner church to allow for the rental of a larger space for this expanding church. Missionary Walla Carrlson from Sweden is pastor.
  • Pastors Salary Support: Provide supplemental support for pastors' salaries. The current salary for ordained Lithuanian pastors is about $450 per month. Some housing costs are also provided. In order to keep our pastors working full-time in the church we need to raise their salaries above this minimum level. We are seeking individuals and congregations who might like to be “Partners with Pastors” in Lithuania.
If you might be interested in becoming a Partner Church with Lithuania, or have questions about any of our ministries or projects please contact us at ds@lithuaniaumc.org .