Online savings made available for United Methodists

Nashville, TN – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church continues to offer opportunities to impact the way we do ministry. GCFA connects with and vets reputable organizations, businesses and corporations that provide discounts and cost savings that can positively impact the ministry of our local churches and affiliate United Methodist organizations. Beginning October 24, 2016, GCFA will begin a jurisdictional roll-out launch for the next 2 months of our newest platform, UMCGPO.ORG, “UNITE TO SAVE”. This is an online discount and cost-savings vendor management platform designed for United Methodist churches and affiliate organizations. When churches join this exclusive group purchasing organization, they will immediately be able to reduce costs on everyday administrative overhead supplies and services when they use the preferred vendors. This will save all participants time and dramatically increase funds for ministry so that every United Methodist church can refocus these savings on disciple making and transforming  communities. As more churches participate, the lower the pricing becomes for all participating churches. Best of all, the platform is 100% free to all UMC churches and affiliated organizations. After a two-year vetting process, GCFA entered into an agreement with Consolidus in September, 2016.  Consolidus is a Nashville based group purchasing organization (GPO). By combining the accumulated spending volume of the entire group, Consolidus offers pre-negotiated contracts on key supplies and services with exceptional pricing through highly vetted, top-tier vendors.  These savings and discounts are available to local United Methodist churches and affiliate organizations and includes United Methodist camps and retreat centers; schools, universities and seminaries; hospitals and retirement homes. United Methodist organizations will have a customized website, UMCGPO.ORG. Moses Kumar, General Secretary and Treasurer of GCFA said: “It is an honor to introduce you to our newest corporate sponsor and partner, Consolidus, headed by Founder and President/CEO, Jason Ritchason. In conjunction with Consolidus, we will launch UMCGPO.ORG, “UNITE TO SAVE’, an online discount and saving shopping platform designed for local United Methodist churches and affiliate organizations. It is our goal to continually seek ways to enhance your ministry and we feel this group purchasing program combines the buying power of United Methodists churches and organizations in a unique way to positively impact your church.” For more information about this exciting cost saving program contact: Bobby Lee Smith Manager of Corporate Sponsorship 615-369-2407 blsmith@gcfa.org Brittany Enright Sponsorship Fulfillment / Sales Coordinator 615-369-2332 benright@gcfa.org ### The General Council on Finance and Administration coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests and rights of the Church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church.