Annapolis District News and Updates - April 21, 2017
NEW
Statement From Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling has issued a statement in advance of the Judicial Council hearing later this month. Read the full statement here.
Pre-Conference Q&A
If you haven't yet had a chance, take a moment to visit the Session Documents tab within the BWC Annual Conference website. You will find proposed resolutions, budget and stewardship information, constitutional amendments, credential forms, reports, and rules of the session.
Submit your questions and review previously submitted questions and answers here.
Administrator's Workshop - Register Today!
Are you finding that a weekly bulletin or monthly newsletter is no longer sufficient to share your church’s message? Relying on a paper-based contact sheet is likely adding unnecessary work to your already full plate. Come to the session we’ve developed to explore the Administrator's role as a storyteller and the shifts that need to be made in order to communicate relevantly in our information-overloaded culture.
We’ll also share some practical lessons on web design and database management that support our ability to share the message with God’s people.
BWC Mission Center / May 11 / 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Cost: $30 (Lunch included)
Questions? Contact Tonia Bennett
Fund Balance Report (Audit) - Submit by June 30, 2017
In accordance with Book of Discipline paragraph 258.4d:
"The committee [on finance] shall make provision for an annual audit of the financial statements of the local church and all its organizations and accounts. The committee shall make a full and complete report to the annual charge conference. A local church audit is defined as an independent evaluation of the financial reports and records and the internal controls of the local church by a qualified person or persons.
The local church annual Fund Balance Report is due by June 30, 2017. Updated forms are available on the BWC Forms, Reports and Requests page under "Finance and Administration." Please submit your completed form to Katie Filano any time between now and the June 30th deadline.
Korean Methodist Church Exchange Trip
The BWC Korea Committee is excited to announce that planning for the 2017 Korean Methodist Church Exchange Trip is currently underway. The committee is aiming for the trip to take place in late July or early August. Historically, the duration of these trips has been between 10 and 12 days.
While exact dates for the trip will be coming soon, the committee is currently collecting interest forms from BWC clergy and laity who may wish to be selected to immerse themselves in this cross-cultural experience within the Korean Methodist Church’s South Korean Conference. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to learn more about discipleship in an ever-changing and evolving world, and for those interested in enhancing their skills as leaders within distinctly varied cultural, racial, and political climates. Airfare, lodging, and dining costs will be sponsored by the BWC Korea Committee. Selected participants would be responsible for other personal expenses.
Please complete the 2017 KMC Exchange Trip Interest Form by April 30, 2017. Please note that program participation is limited. Selection of program participants will take place after the trip dates are set.
Questions? Contact Katie Filano, 410-309-3493.
Academy of Finances for Local Churches (AFLC)
Presented by the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation
In 2015, The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation established a successful 2-year Financial Leadership Academy for clergy which resulted in those pastors implementing actual, positive changes within their local churches. Now, the Foundation would like to provide a similar program to teams of clergy and two to four change advocates (laity). The Foundation would like your help in determining the best way to deliver this excellent program.
Please click here to fill out the brief 10-question survey that will be used to help guide planning for AFLC. Your response is appreciated by April 30th.
Native American Ministries Sunday (4/30) - Resources:
There are so many reasons to celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday on April 30.
On this day, United Methodists focus on the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans, both in the church and in communities.
The special offering received during the celebration supports Native American outreach ministries and provides scholarships for United Methodist Native American seminarians.
To help your leadership team promote this Special Sunday, download the Native American Ministries Sunday Pastor and Leader's Kit.
UMCOR Sunday - All Year Long!
If celebrating UMCOR Sunday on March 26 was not possible for your congregation, you can celebrate at any time of the year. Choose a Sunday that better fits your church calendar and order resources for that time.
UMCOR's ability to respond is due to the generosity of United Methodist congregations and individuals around the world. Gifts to UMCOR Sunday underwrite UMCOR's costs of serving local churches in times of disaster. This helps keep the promise that 100 percent of every gift made to UMCOR projects goes directly to those in need. Please encourage your congregations to give on UMCOR Sunday.
Resources
Download resources for UMCOR Sunday: posters, bulletin inserts and worship materials are all available online. Enhance your UMCOR Sunday celebration with these print resources.
Arena for Churches - Updating Committee Information
As you are updating committee lists in Arena, please be sure to follow this guide showing where each position should be entered: Transferring Nominations Form Information into Arena.
For more information and instructions click HERE. These video guides are another great resource: