Brotherhood/Sisterhood
Website - brotherhoodsisterhood.com
The Brotherhood/Sisterhood is a benevolent organization founded by clergy and laity more than a century ago to address the difficult circumstances that families of United Methodist pastors often face upon the pastor’s death. It is a way to express love and appreciation for our clergy and their families as it provides immediate financial assistance to the families of deceased clergy members.
When the BH/SH learns about a clergy member’s death, a check for $10,000 (the current benefit), less any unpaid assessments or promissory notes, is made payable to the surviving spouse, another designated beneficiary, or to the estate. Laity and clergy members are sent a call notice with the name of the deceased, a short biographical sketch, the number of the “call,” and the amount to be contributed ($15 for clergy/$6 or more for laity). Members then send checks to our office or make payments online.
Clergy membership is open to all full connection and provisional deacons and elders, associate members, and local pastors in the Western N.C. Conference of The United Methodist Church. Clergy who are 35 or older are required to compensate the BH/SH for all assessments issued since their 35th birthday. They may sign a promissory note to cover part or all of the total amount. The unpaid note balance is deducted from the benefit at the time of their death.
We are grateful for the laity who support this special ministry with their contributions as individuals or through their local churches, Sunday School classes, and other groups such as the UMW and the UMM.
The Annual Conference has approved the observance of Brotherhood/Sisterhood Sunday on the 3rd Sunday of February or on another Sunday as deemed more appropriate by each local church. We invite you to copy and use this bulletin insert for this promotion. Please let us know if you would like to schedule a speaker.
Please visit our website at brotherhoodsisterhood.com for more information. Our email address is bhshwncc@bellsouth.net. Our office phone number is 704.825.1333.
Want to join?
Questions? Contact us at bhshwncc@bellsouth.net 704.825.1333