IRS sets 2010 Mileage Rates
Effective Jan.1, 2010, the business mileage rate will be reduced to 50 cents per mile. The new rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses will be reduced to 16.5 cents per mile. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by statute, not the IRS, and remains at 14 cents per mile. The mileage rates for 2010 reflect generally lower transportation costs compared to a year ago. The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. See news release IR-2009-111 www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=216048,00.html for more details.
Text Soul Culture, a forum for Youth Workers
Youth ministers, volunteers, and pastors are invited to a weekend of conversation, rest, and renewal, looking at the Bible, youth ministry, and the changing world in relation to working with teens. This will be a chance to engage in dialogue about struggles as well as successes while relaxing in the peaceful setting at Camp Don Lee. For more information, go to www.donleecenter.org/youthworkerforum.htm.
Support ZOE Ministry Giving Hope Orphans by Purchasing
Hand-Made Creations
ZOE Ministry is pleased to support a new opportunity offered through Bidzirk, an online distributor based in South Carolina. ZOE invites you to support the work of a group of Rwandan orphans who have made handmade Christmas cards, beautifully- woven baskets, and jewelry. The items are now available through Bidzirk in their “Partnering with Africa” online store. In keeping with Giving Hope principles, ZOE Ministry will not receive any revenue from these items purchased at Fair Trade prices. Visit http://www.bidzirk.com/zoe/index.html
Confirmation Celebration Leadership Invited
The Conference Confirmation Celebration will be Saturday, March 6 at Methodist University in Fayetteville from 10 a.m. to 2:30p.m. The Celebration is designed for confirmation classes and their mentors/leaders. The Celebration will explore the covenant membership vow of prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Bishop Gwinn will speak to the confirmands and celebrate Holy Communion to conclude the day. The planning team would like to continue the involvement of local church confirmation classes in the leadership of the program. Groups are needed to make presentations and lead an activity on the covenant vow of gifts and confirmation groups are needed to assist with serving communion. If a group is interested in giving leadership to the Conference Confirmation Celebration, please contact Sue Ellen Nicholson at senicholson@nccumc.org or 800-849-4433 x 253 or 919-832-9560 x 253. Further information including registration for the Confirmation Celebration will be available online and via email soon.
Clergy Spouses’ Day Apart in April, 2010
Save this date, April 24 as an exciting day is planned for clergy spouses. In place of an overnight event, a Spouses’ Day Apart will be held at the First UMC in Nashville, NC, from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Margaret Therkelsen, a well- known person of prayer and faith, speaker and author, will be the keynote speaker. She has a marvelous story to tell and a message to inspire all. The cost of $20 will include your lunch and snack breaks. Child care will be provided. For information and a registration form, go to https://nccumc.org/events/csdp/.
Resource Giveaway Extravaganza
On Friday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. there will be a book/curriculum/video/resources giveaway extravaganza in the Assembly Room of the Methodist Building in Raleigh. Resources gathered from Conference staff cleaning their areas in preparation for moving to the new building, as well as the Conference Media Center will be available free during the two-day event.
Youth Lay Speaker Training
There will be a youth-only lay speaker training on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Methodist Building in Raleigh. Linda Harris, conference director of Lay Speaking will be the facilitator. Applications are available at www.nccumc.org/youth. The application deadline is Feb. 5. Youth must be in grades 8-12 and their application must be accompanied by their pastor’s recommendation. There is no cost for the training and lunch will be provided.
2010 Youth Events brochure going in the mail
The 2010 Youth Events brochure is going out in the mail . The website has also been updated with events and dates – www.nccumc.org/youth. Global Vision for high school youth has a registration deadline of Jan.19.