Charge Conference Documents Due December 1st!

All Charge Conference are due and need to be signed and submitted by December 1st. Forms are available on the SW District website at the following link: https://southwest.moumethodist.org/forms. If you need the Simplified Structure forms, you must request them from the district office. If you have any questions, please email Teresa at [email protected].

Upcoming Important Dates to Remember

10/30 - 11/15/2024 Healthflex Open Enrollment
12/1/2024 Charge Conference Paperwork is due]
12/30/2024- Stats module open
01/07/2025- Conference apportionment deadline (by 4 p.m.)
01/31/2025- Deadline for churches to enter stats for districts
02/3/2025- Stats module closes
02/14/2025-Stats due to the conference office from the districts

Please remember that apportionments must be RECEIVED by January 7th (before 4
p.m.) to count for 2024.  If you are sending them after the New Year, you will want to utilize a guaranteed method of delivery. 
Guaranteed methods would include UPS, Fed-Ex, maybe the USPS Priority, but whatever method, you need to let Lindsay know it’s coming ([email protected]g) AND provide a tracking number. 
Hand Delivery is also a good option if you are down to the wire. 

The 2024 Festival of Sharing Quilt Auction is here!

This year’s auction, benefitting the Church World Service blanket program that assists those rebuilding after a disaster, will be online from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m., Nov. 3-9. This is a great opportunity to pick out those birthday, Christmas, wedding or new baby gifts while helping a good cause.
See pictures and details of the beautifully quilted throws, baby blankets, and more at the button below. We hope you'll consider helping spread the word by sharing the this Facebook post.
Ahead of our 10 a.m. start on Sunday, Nov. 3, you can check out photos and details of the items available for auction and set up your account on the auction website using the following link. 
Benefit Bidding Auctions - 2024 Festival of Sharing

Auction Details

Live bidding will run from 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Shipping is available at the rate of $14 for one item or $18 for two items.  Local pick-up available from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 3601 Amron Ct, Columbia, MO 65202.
Payment options include credit card (required processing fee) or a check made payable to "MOAC" with "FOS Quilt Auction" in the memo line. Checks can be brought at pick up or mailed to Festival of Sharing, 3601 Amron Ct, Columbia, MO 65202.
Thank you for your support! 
Sincerely, 
FOS Quilt Auction Volunteer Committee

King's Way Women's Retreat

What's in a Name???

DS Mary Rodgers-Weaver will now be using simply Mary Rodgers in the future. The link below will take you to a letter she sent out on Monday, in case you missed it, to explain the name change. Please know that you can still reach her at both her old email, [email protected] AND at the new one, [email protected] for the time being. Thanks for your patience as we transition all the things we need to change on this end. If you didn't get a chance to read her letter about the change, please let me know and I will share it with you. 

 Jump Start Workshop on Understanding Culture and Diversity
Ready to take your commitment to being a multicultural church to the next level? Join us for a Jump Start workshop on Nov. 18 where together we’ll consider questions around race and culture work with our friend Nikki Lerner. You’ll leave with practical advice and solutions that can be immediately implemented in your ministry context. Learn more and register at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/jump-start-november-18423042

 NextGen Leaders Retreat – Nov. 15-17
Oasis NextGen Leader Retreat offers children’s and youth ministry leaders the opportunity to rest and recharge with a community who gets it, so they can return to their ministry setting energized and ready to tackle the rest of the school year. Space is limited. Learn more and sign up at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/oasis-nextgen-leaders-retreat-18185313 

MUMF Year-End Giving Resources

As we enter the home stretch of 2024, it's time to think about year-end giving. MUMF offers several free resources — including strategies and ideas as well as free brochures and slides — to help you kick-start the conversation with your congregation. Learn more →

 HealthFlex Annual Enrollment

For those on Wespath's HealthFlex insurance, the annual enrollment period is Oct. 30 through Nov. 14. It’s important that you review your plan selections, even if you want to keep your current coverage. For resources related to making your selections, UMPIP and Pastoral Support Addendum forms, and more, visit www.moumethodist.org/benefits.

 Host an Intern in Summer 2025

Applications are open for summer local church internships. Interns get hands-on ministry experience and discover how their gifts and talents can be leveraged in the Church. Host churches provide this formational opportunity for young UMC leaders while receiving support and funds from the Annual Conference. Now is the time to get internship funds in your 2025 church budget. Learn more at www.moumethodist.org/internships

 NextGen Leaders Academy

NextGen Ministries seeks to support and equip Missouri’s NextGen ministry leaders. One way we do that is through a new program called NextGen Leaders Academy. This six-month program teaches the basics of NextGen ministry, empowers leaders to do big, exciting things, and creates a network of support for leaders all across the state. New in 2025: We’re offering an evening cohort with part-time or volunteer leaders in mind. Learn more and apply for the 2024 cohort by Nov. 8 →

Soul Space – Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m.

We are not alone, yet sometimes we need to set aside space to be reminded that God is present with us. Beginning Sept. 10, join us virtually at 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning for Soul Space, 15-20 minutes of guided reflection and prayer. Designed with both clergy and laity, Soul Space provides space to reflect on the presence of God with a spiritual director. Get the Zoom info at www.moumethodist.org/eventdetail/soul-space-18555592