Project AGAPE Sunday – January 3
Please remember that January is Project AGAPE month, a time to reflect on and respond to the deep needs of the people of Armenia. Since an offering for Project AGAPE was not taken at Annual Conference, this time of giving is critically important. Armenia remains one of the world’s poorest countries, particularly in the disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Please continue to pray for the deep needs of this ministry and consider an offering on Jan. 3 or some other Sunday in January. Bulletin inserts have been mailed. A copy of the insert is available for download at Project AGAPE bulletin insert.
Human Relations Day Jan. 17 – United Methodist Special Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 17 is Human Relations Day, one of the six church-wide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church. Human Relations Day is recognized on the Sunday before the national observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.
The United Methodist Book of Discipline describes the purpose of Human Relations Day as a call to “the Church to recognize the right of all God’s children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other.” Please ensure this opportunity for giving is made available for congregations. For more information and resources for this important day, please see: Human Relations Day Resources.
Worker’s Compensation Insurance Reminder
Local church pastors and trustees are reminded to consider Worker’s Compensation coverage as local church property and liability insurance needs are evaluated. Churches are required by NC law to have coverage if there are three or more regular employees (full or part-time). The NC Conference recommends coverage for all churches regardless of the number of employees. The Conference does not maintain a group policy for this as each church is an individual salary-paying unit. The local church health insurance provider will not pay medical claims resulting from a work injury and the church and employee will be responsible. Please see a memo on this topic on the Treasurer’s Office Training Materials website for more information. Group discounts may be available for NC Conference churches for worker’s compensation coverage through the NCC PACT insurance program. Please contact the Treasurer’s Office to request a quote for a specific local church on this important coverage.
General Board of Church and Society Ethnic Local Church Grants due Jan 10
January 10 is the deadline to apply for an Ethnic Local Church Grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). The grants program is to strengthen ethnic minority local churches through education, advocacy or leadership training and development as they engage in social justice. For more information, please see: GBCS Ethnic Local Church Grants.
General Board of Church & Society Human Relations Day Grants due Jan. 10
January 10 is the deadline to apply for a Human Relations Day Grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). The grants are to support ministries that respond to non-violent young offenders through education, advocacy or leadership training and development. Grant funds are raised through The United Methodist Church’s Human Relations Day Special Sunday each year. Special Sundays are an opportunity for United Methodist churches to celebrate the denomination’s connectional work. This day of social action and raising awareness supports the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program. For more information, please see: GBCS Human Relations Day Grants.