2008 pension information deadline approaching
For all licensed, ordained or commissioned, episcopally appointed clergy: All information on Pension Worksheet forms and Contributions to Personal Investment Plan forms on the Online Data Collection System must be completed on or before Dec. 17 at 3 pm. Any information received after that date must be received from the District Superintendent's office in writing (e-mail is fine) and will have to be entered into the General Board of Pension (GBOP) system manually. It is important to enter correct compensation information to ensure proper billing from the GBOP and Conference. If there are questions, please call JoAnna Cafferty in the Treasurer's Office at 1-800-849-4433 x. 225.
Up to 20% off on choir robes ordered by January 31
Churches needing new choir robes can receive up to 20% off at Cokesbury Bookstore, Jan. 2 - March 31, 2008. ALL custom choir robes and accessories will be 15% off plus a free robe bag and hanger for each robe ordered. Orders placed by Jan. 31 will receive an additional 5% off a custom choir robe purchase. Questions: Lou Jennings, Outside Sales Consultant for the Raleigh Cokesbury store, at (919) 553-9940 or ljennings@cokesbury.com for more information, quotes, samples or to schedule a visit.
Stewardship seminar for African-American churches
The Office of Multicultural Ministries will be offering the seminar "Stewardship in African-American Churches - A New Paradigm" for pastors, finance chairs, treasurers, lay leaders, and other interested church officers and laity. The Reverend Melvin Amerson of the Texas Methodist Foundation will be the presenter. Participants may attend this workshop from 7-9 pm, Thursday, Jan.10 at Asbury Temple UMC in Durham or from 10 am - 2 pm on Saturday, Jan. 12, at Galilee UMC in Laurinburg. For more information, a flyer (in PDF format) is available at Stewardship in African-American Churches or by contacting Dr. Lawrence Johnson at ljohnson@nccumc.org or LeeAnne Thornton at lbthornton@nccumc.org .
Human Relations Sunday is January 20
Human Relations Sunday, one of the six Special Giving Sundays in The United Methodist Church is Jan. 20, 2008. The Discipline states "This Sunday occurs during Epiphany, the season of manifesting God's light to the world. Human Relations Day calls the Church to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other. The purpose of the day is to further the development of better human relations." (Par. 264.1, The Book of Discipline 2004) Promotional materials can be ordered by visiting www.umcgiving.org or by calling 1-888-862-3242. A worship resource can be found at UMCGiving .
The other five Special Giving Sundays are: One Great Hour of Sharing, March 2; Native American Ministries Sunday, April 6; Peace with Justice Sunday, May 18; World Communion Sunday, Oct. 5; and United Methodist Student Day, Nov. 30.
Caring for Creation symposium to be held at Lake Junaluska
Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center and the United Methodist Women of the SEJ are offering the third Creation for Creation experience at Lake Junaluska , April 3-6, 2008. Leadership for this experience will offer challenges and directions for what individuals can do to take better care of their home - Earth. The workshops will present practical information for action and will open new avenues for participants whether persons are interested in what the Biblical challenge is about care for the earth or inexpensive solar solutions for home or church. For more information about the leadership, schedule, or registration, go to Caring for Creation .
MERCI can receive donations from online shopping
MERCI is now listed with "igive." If online shopping is done through the website, igive , MERCI will receive a donation from the stores where shopping takes place. iGive.com is the first and largest network of members, worthy causes, online merchants, and Web sites, brought together to enable shoppers to list and support their favorite worthy causes through online shopping. Questions? Call Jim Huskins at MERCI, 1-888-440-9167.
Media Center Membership Dues not required in 2008
Starting in 2008 local churches will not need to send a payment to the Conference Media Center to become a member. The opportunity for checking out resources will be available to all local churches in the NC Conference following registration. Local churches will be responsible for return postage. Visit Media Center website for more information or contact Laura Bailey, director: llbailey@nccumc.org , 800-849-4433 ext 264, locally: 832-6560
Medical supplies available for free clinics
MERCI has 13 pallets of assorted medical supplies that are available for free clinics or for overseas missions. Please contact Ann Huffman at ahuffman@nccumc.org or 1-888-440-9167 for a complete list of supplies.
