Preparations for MHC Sunday
A neglected 3-year-old is learning for the first time to speak, play and potty train now that he’s in the care of Methodist Home for Children. This boy’s life has changed in real and measurable ways thanks to the grace of God and the generosity of Methodist churches in the North Carolina Conference. MHC Sunday is Feb. 19 this year, and is an opportunity for church leaders to lift up Methodist Home for Children and its ministry to vulnerable children and families. MHC Sunday supplies (envelopes, posters, bulletin inserts) and speakers are available. Contact Jennifer Cooper at 919-754-3625 or jcooper@mhfc.org for supplies or to schedule a speaker. Click to download an MHC Sunday Mission Moment, bulletin insert or newsletter text.
Income Reporting Reminder
Local churches are reminded that the deadline for providing tax reports to those who have received taxable income from the church is Jan. 31, 2012. Pastors and other church employees should receive a W-2 report of income from the church and vendors providing services to the church (such as contract janitorial or landscape services) should receive a 1099-MISC if income is $600 or more. More information on how to prepare a clergy W-2 and tax reporting requirements for churches can be found on the Treasurer’s Office website under Training Materials.
Start 2012 with Joyful Music and Meaningful Worship
This year’s Winter Soulstice retreat, sponsored by the NC Academy for Spiritual Formation, begins Friday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. and concludes Saturday, Feb. 4 at 5:30 p.m. The presenter this year is Don Saliers, a world-renowned musician, author, retreat leader and pastor. The event will be held at Saint Francis UMC in Cary. There is an early-bird registration discount so for more information about the event and registration, go to Winter Soulstice.
Mark this date on the calendar
On March 17, Disciple Bible Outreach Ministries (DBOM) will have an important fundraising event at First UMC, Cary. This event will include hot dogs, bluegrass music, a presentation by General Commission for United Methodist Men Secretary Gil Hanke and a live and silent auction in support of DBOM. Please mark the date and make plans to participate and help support the vital ministry of DBOM. For more details, click DBOM Fundraiser.
How to minister to military families
Most every church either has church member families or community neighbors who are impacted by military service and deployment. Does your church have a ministry devoted to nurturing and caring for military families and their unique situations? For ideas and suggestions, read Military Families.
Stewards programme and ecumenical leadership training seminar
The World Council of Churches brings together a regionally and confessionally diverse group of young people to participate in leadership training seminars, and to serve at WCC governing body meetings. Such meetings provide many opportunities for “on the job” ecumenical formation. The leadership training seminars equip young people with skills and resources to continue their work on issues important to the churches at the regional and local levels. Persons aged 18 – 30 years can now apply to participate in a stewards programme consisting of three main elements: ecumenical leadership training seminar; assisting with an international ecumenical event; and ecumenical project planning. The deadline for submission of applications is March 15. To download the information brochure, click brochure. To download the application form, click application.