Connections: The Cabinet
In the United Methodist Church, the bishop and the Cabinet ensure that every local church has an appointed clergy person to serve as “shepherd, preacher, teacher, and mission leader.” Hear more of Bishop Ward’s thoughts on the work and ministry of the Cabinet at Connections.
Reggie McNeal coming to NCC Nov. 2 & 3
Reggie McNeal, author of “Missional Renaissance: Changing the Scorecard of the Church,” is coming to St. Luke UMC, Sanford on Friday, Nov. 2 and the United Methodist Building in Garner on Saturday, Nov. 3. Presentation time is 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m both days. McNeal’s presentations are identical in content, giving participants the option to register for either day. He offers a fresh look at church vitality and provides ways to improve the church’s impact in the world. Clergy and lay members alike are invited to attend. Cost is $15 per person for lunch and the program. Register online or call the Conference office of Connectional Ministries at 919-779-6115.
Outreach Ministry receiving Mission Seed Fund Applications
Mission Seed Funds are designed to facilitate and encourage UM congregations of the NC Conference in risk-taking ministry and radical hospitality. The funds are provided to resource the local church, help the church engage in ministry that is transformative for the world and the church, and reach all who are the least, the last, and the lost. Guidelines, applications, and budget forms are now available. Applications & budgets are due electronically to kduncan@nccumc.org by Nov. 1.. Congregations that received funding in 2012, must complete additional forms to be eligible for 2013 funds.
Conference Insurance Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment (OE) packets have been mailed to participants, clergy and many lay employees, active in the Conference Insurance program. Open Enrollment is held each year from Nov. 1 – 30. Participants can make changes to coverage during November for an effective date of Jan. 1, 2013. Two health plans will be offered in 2013 (rates the same as 2012). Participants who wish to remain in the same plan during 2013, do not need to take any action. The current BASE or Buy-Up election will carry forward. Those wishing to change plans for 2013, can refer to the instructions in the OE packet. New rules affecting Flexible and Medical Reimbursement Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Account, and other detailed information can be accessed from the Conference Insurance page. For answers to any questions, please contact Caroline Thornton at 800-849-4433.
10 Fold Week 4 – Missionaries
The United Methodist Church supports about 300 commissioned missionaries who witness and serve in more than 60 countries throughout the world. Missionaries work as congregational and leadership developers, agriculturalists, health care coordinators, teachers, regional coordinators for UMCOR, and doctors. Individuals and churches can partner with a missionary and provide financial, emotional, and spiritual support. To know more, visit outreach.
Clergy prepare for Pension Plan changes
General Conference 2012 approved several changes related to clergy benefit plans such as the Ministerial Pension Plan (MPP), Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP) and the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP). For resources detailing the changes, visit the Treasurer’s Office website. The October 2012 issue of the General Board Of Pension and Health Benefits Hark! newsletter offers ways to both minimize the impact of these changes and maximize benefits. Questions can be directed to the NC Conference Benefits Team in the Treasurer’s Office (1-800-849-4433) or to the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (1-800-851-2201).
Choir Ephata seeks hosting
In 1997, ten young people of the UMC in Friedrichsdorf, Germany founded the choir, Ephata. The name “Ephata” originates from the Biblical text in Mark 7, with Jesus healing a terminally ill man using the word “Ephata,” meaning “Open up.” The choir is looking for a North Carolina UMC congregation to host them Easter weekend with a concert, Saturday evening, March 30 or Easter Sunday, March 31, and depart the morning of April 1, 2013. Those interested in hosting Ephata are asked to contact Carol Goehring, Connectional Ministries: cgoehring@nccumc.org or 919-779-6115 for further information.