Open Enrollment Deadline Nov. 30
The deadline for all conference insurance plan participants to complete the 2012 elections is Wednesday, Nov. 30. Participants who do not make an election by this date will be placed in the Base Plan for health insurance coverage. The Base Plan provides reduced coverage as compared to the 2011 benefits. To choose the Buy-Up Plan coverage (same health plan benefits as offered in 2011) or to set up Flexible Spending Account elections, participants need to log into http://www.ebenefitsnow.com/. For assistance, please contact the Benefits Team in the Treasurer’s Office at 1-800-849-4433.
Unity Dialogue to meet Dec. 8
Unity Dialogue will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, 4 – 6:30 p.m., at the Methodist Building in Garner. This session will focus on the recent letter from the Council of Bishops on the subject of homosexuality and church law, a letter that was issued in response to the document from retired bishops advocating a change in the denomination’s official position. The Council of Bishops’ letter has been widely circulated and on Nov. 10, it was sent to all clergy in the NC Conference. In the Dialogue, participants will have an opportunity to reflect on the letter and theological and biblical perspectives of the issue. The Dialogue is open to the public and the gathering includes worship with Holy Communion led by Bishop Al Gwinn. The conversation is guided by the principles of holy conferencing.
Nomination form online for conference boards and agencies
Nominations for service in the NC Conference are being received until Feb. 10. Anyone with an interest in the ministries and leadership of the Conference may submit a nomination form and be considered for positions on boards, commissions and committees for the 2012 – 2016 quadrennium. Go to Nominations to complete the form.
In our effort to reflect the membership of the NC Conference, the Nominating Committee seeks young people, people of color, people with handicapping conditions, and geographical distribution of leadership, lay and clergy. In accordance with Conference policy, persons must submit a nomination form, indicating their interest and/or expertise in an area of ministry.
Restroom grant applications due Dec. 13
The Duke Endowment has generously provided funding for installation of restroom facilities or upgrade of existing inadequate facilities for rural United Methodist Churches in the North Carolina Conference. It is hoped that these funds will be utilized for materials only, however, if you do not have adequate expertise in your congregation to provide the labor, or do not have the ability to fund the labor, please note the need for labor funding. Complete and submit the application to the Office of Outreach Ministries. Grant applications should be submitted by Dec. 13 via mail or fax. The Missions Team Building Committee will determine grant recipients. Funds will be disbursed by Dec. 31. For funding guidelines and downloadable application, please see 2011 Restroom Accessibility Grants.
Seeking 2012 Pilgrimage Feedback
Pilgrimage 2011 was a wonderful event and many thanks go out to all who made it possible. Please help the design team as they begin making plans for next year by sending your feedback. Pastors and youth workers, please send this to everyone in your congregations who may wish to respond. The deadline for the survey is Wednesday, Nov. 30. Thank you for continuing to support this ministry and sharing suggestions for next year.
Youth Survey
Adult Survey
Holiday schedule
The Methodist Building will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Friday. We wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving as you give thanks for the abundance of God’s gifts.