Connections: NC Conference and Western NC Conference
Bishop Ward discusses the newly-formed partnership between the NC Conference Cabinet and the Western NC Conference Cabinet in the newest edition of Connections.
2013 IRS Mileage rate to change
The standard mileage rate for transportation or travel expenses in 2013 will be 56.5 cents per mile for all miles of business use (business standard mileage rate). See section 4 of Rev. Proc. 2010-51. The standard mileage rate is 14 cents per mile for use of an automobile in rendering gratuitous services to a charitable organization under §170. See section 5 of Rev. Proc. 2010-51.
Gifts that could change the world
Need some ideas for what to get that “hard to buy for” person on your Christmas list? How about a gift that could change the world? For ideas on gifts to UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR) mission and relief ministries, which could be given in honor or memory of a loved one, go to http://www.umcor.org/christmas.
Orientation Webinars for church leaders
The General Board of Discipleship is continuing to make available training webinars for specific leaders in the local church. Some of the upcoming webinars include:
“Stewardship and Finance: Getting It Right at the Starting Line” Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
For Stewardship Team, Finance Committee, or Church Council – if your work in the church deals with people’s giving, you want to start off on the right foot.
“SPRC Plans the Year” Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. CST
Building positive relationships between staff and congregation increases vitality and discipleship. Goal setting, evaluation, job descriptions, benefits and healthy work place responsibilities will be covered for new and returning committee members.
“Lay Leader: What Do I Do?” Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. CST
Expectations vary for this position! Learn from congregations of all sizes, the Book of Discipline, and actual experiences to make this role effective in your congregation.
These training opportunities are made available through World Service giving. Register for these and many other training events at www.gbod.org/webinars.
Save the Date for Clergy Benefits Seminar
What’s so great about being a United Methodist clergyperson? Come to the Clergy Benefits Seminar on March 7-8, 2013 at the Hilton Riverside in Wilmington to find out. This event is open to all clergy and their spouses. Attendees will learn about benefits and resources that support them in achieving financial, physical and emotional well being during both their active and retirement years. Watch for more details as they develop!
Camp registration opens online Dec. 1
Online registration for 2013 Summer Camp opens Dec. 1, just in time for Christmas. Check out each of the conference camp’s website for more details: campchestnutridge.org, donleecenter.org, and camprockfish.org. Register early to guarantee a camper’s spot.
REMINDER:
Open Enrollment for the Conference Insurance ends Nov. 30. Detailed information can be accessed from the Conference Insurance page.