January BRD Monthly

posted on January 11

January 2023
 

 

Annual Reports Due Wednesday, February 15

The EZRA platform for annual statistical reports is replaced by ACStats for 2022. ACStats is now open.  A letter from WNC Treasurer R. Mark King containing the link and training videos can be found here.
 

 

2023 Milage Rate

January 1, 2023 the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) increased to:

  • 65.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3 cents from the midyear increase setting the rate for the second half of 2022.
     
  • 22 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, consistent with the increased midyear rate set for the second half of 2022.
     
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2022.

These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, as well as gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles. For complete details visit the IRS website, here.
 

 

2023 Winter Leadership Training

This year’s Western North Carolina Conference 2023 Winter Leadership Training will take place January 23-26th online in the evenings. This training is  designed for and open to all local church leaders including lay leaders, council members, volunteers, and all who lead (or are considering future leadership!). This is an opportunity to connect with other leaders across the conference and learn about roles, best practices, and new ideas for ministry. We are excited to reveal our great line-up of topics and presenters, and that Bishop Ken Carter will be our keynote speaker! 

A detailed schedule can be found here.
 

 

Spiritual Renewal Grant Applications are Open

This grant for clergy and lay ministry staff is offered by the WNCC Leadership Development Team to encourage participants to " intentionally seek the presence of God in a space, and in a posture before God, that you can receive what God has to offer you, away from the myriad of needs in your community! 
...The LDT wants to help nurture your spirit in order to be renewed and restored in life and in ministry."

Over 20 retreats, cohorts, and workshops are enlisted in 2023's Spiritual Renewal Offering. View and register for them here!

Applications will stay open until February 15. 
 

 

Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF) Applications Open

Resourceful Communities is offering community project grants to United Methodist Churches and other small non-profit organizations in rural North Carolina. Project must include triple bottom line benefits – environmental, social justice and economic benefits. 

Unfortunately, Buncombe County Churches are ineligible to apply.

Proposals receiving the highest consideration will:

  • Focus on work in rural, low-income communities.
  • Be planned and implemented by a community organization that has participated in our network events (workshops, peer learning visits, convenings, etc.).
  • Build on local assets (a community’s natural, historical, cultural and human resources) to address community challenges.
  • Meaningfully engage those who benefit from the project, particularly people of color or low wealth.

Grants cannot exceed $15,000.  There is no minimum amount that must be requested for a Creating New Economies Fund application to be considered, however, grants average $8,000-$12,000.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, February 17. Find details and registration here.
 

 

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Scholarships 

UMHEF scholarship applications are open for students who are members of The United Methodist Church and other select Methodist-tradition denominations planning to enroll full-time in a UM-related college, university, or seminary. Awards include:

UM Dollars for Scholars: A non-competitive award that starts with a $1,000 scholarship from your church, which may be matched by UMHEF. Potential award total of up to $4,000 depends on matches from partnering UM Foundations and schools. Funds are limited and awards are not guaranteed.

General Named Endowed Scholarships: More 130+ traditional scholarships that consider GPA, income, leadership. Other Scholarships: Additional awards are available for students attending HBCUs, chaplaincy candidates, deaf and hearing-impaired students, and more.

Applications close March 1. View details and applications here.

 

 

Only 3 Seasons Left for RISE! Anti-Racism Trainings

Antiracism Ethics Training is the Clergy Ethics Training for the quadrennium through June 2024, and is mandatory for all clergy in the Western North Carolina Conference. 

Each session has a limited number of seats, please plan accordingly to ensure you are able to participate before June 2024. Every season will have 8 district-hosted options for in-person (2-day workshops) and 1 option for virtual (12-day span workshop). This means there are only 3 virtual options left in the quadrennium and 3 in-person local to you.

Spring 2023 In-Person Dates are as follows:

  • January 18-19 - Covenant UMC, High Point (Northern Piedmont)
  • January 27-28 - Williamson's Chapel UMC, Mooresville (Metro)
  • February 10-11 - Hillsdale UMC, Advance (Yadkin Valley)
  • February 24-25 - St. Luke's UMC, Hickory (Catawba Valley)
  • March 31-April 1 - Covenant UMC, High Point (Northern Piedmont)
  • May 11-12 - Assurance UMC, Huntersville (Metro)
  • May 22-23 - St. Luke's UMC, Hickory (Catawba Valley)
  • June 9-10 - Covenant Community UMC, Asheville (Blue Ridge)

Spring 2023 Virtual Schedule:

Monday, March 13 |  Zoom Orientation Session - 6:00-8:30pm

March 14-17 |  Self-Paced eLearning

Saturday, March 18 |  Zoom Day 1 - 9:00am-12:00pm & 2:00-5:00pm

March 19-24 | Self-Paced eLearning

Saturday, March 25 | Zoom Day 2 -  9:00am-12:00pm & 2:00-5:00pm

Visit registration here.
 

 

UMC Communications Offers Courses for the New Digital Age

Navigating the digital changes in ministry that have emerged the last few years can be made easier with courses from UMC Communications. Online trainings such as "Effective Technology Tools for Churches", "Video Editing for Churches", and "Digital Media for Churches" can be completed in just 1-2 hours.

View all courses here!
 

 

Free Canva Accounts

Canva makes all of its pro-level tools free for nonprofits, including churches.  Canva is one of the most widely used tools for creating social media posts. Adobe's Illustrator and InDesign replaced Microsoft Publisher, and Canva is the extremely user-friendly replacement of Adobe. 

Find details and registration here!
 

 

 

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