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.
MTF Payments Due January 31
The annual contribution payments to the Ministers’ Transition Fund (MTF) are due to the Treasurer’s Office no later than Jan. 31. According to the plan document (2011 Journal, page 236), payments received after Jan. 31 will be returned to the minister. Failure to pay the contribution by the deadline may result in either forfeiture of this year’s dividend and/or lack of credit towards future dividends. For more details about the benefits of this Fund and to obtain an enrollment application, visit the Pensions Page on the Treasurer’s Office Web site or contact JoAnna Ezuka (1-800-849-4433 ext. 225).
Is your church planning a “Super Bowl” Party?
Did you know that, in the past, it infringed on the NFL’s copyright to have a Super Bowl viewing party at your church or to advertise such a party in church publications or on thechurch website? Fortunately this year, the NFL has loosened up slightly on allowing religious groups to sponsor such gatherings but if a group in your church would like to gather around the television, read the following information to make sure your church is fully compliant and obeying the law.
National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry launches worship website
Cantometodista.com is a new and vibrant virtual community of people working in the ministry of worship and music. The goal is to provide bilingual resources that represent the richness of the cultures of Latin America and beyond. Persons exploring www.cantometodista.com will find sound theology, stylistic diversity and a strong connection to Wesleyan theology. CantoMetodista.com is designed for musicians, worship leaders, pastors and others involved in ministries of worship. The hope is that the resources found there will be useful to any person preparing or leading worship. For more information, contact: info@cantometodista.com.
Rudy Rasmus, National Leader Series – Tuesday, March 6
The Academy for Leadership Excellence presents “Leading with an Entrepreneurial Spirit” featuring Pastor Rudy Rasmus. Rasmus, a passionate and spiritual entrepreneur will share his radical and transformational vision and the practical steps St. John’s UMC in Houston, TX has implemented to make kingdom dreams a reality. The event will be held at Edenton St. UMC in Raleigh from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The fee for the event is $75, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Continuing education units are available for an additional $15. Please register at the Academy website www.theafle.org.