Southeast District Grants - Due March 1

1. New Places for New People (NPNP) -New or growing Alpha programs.
2. Next Generation Ministries - (birth-college age) New program that multiplies Next Gen Ministries in the local church.
3. Raise up Missional Leaders – training or an experience to recruit, train or disciple missional leaders engaged in the congregation.

Details can be found in the Grant Application here: 

• Spring Grants are due by March 1. All applicants will be notified by April 1st.
• Fall Grants are due by August 1st. All applicants will be notified by September 1st.  

Parsonage Inspections Due March 1 

Parsonage inspections are due March 1 and are required for parsonages that are rented, pastor-occupied, or vacant. You can find all of these forms on our website HERE. If the parsonage is unoccupied or used for any non-residential purpose, please use the "Parsonage Inspection - Pastor" form.

Parsonage Inspection - Pastor

Parsonage Inspection - Renters

Email inspections to Allie at [email protected]

 MOAC Ministry Grants

Grant Applications Due April 1

Have a ministry idea that needs an extra boost? There’s a grant for that! Missouri United Methodist Churches can apply for funds to support both big and small local ministry projects. Applications are due April 1. Learn more at www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/ministry-grant-applications-now-open-18897449

Spring Lay Education Classes Available

• Feb. 15 - Class Meetings Course - In-Person in Springfield
• Feb. 15 - Ministry of All Believers - In-Person in Springfield
• Feb. 22 - Christian Leadership and Casting a Visioning - In-Person in Kirksville
• March 1 - Christian Leadership and Casting a Visioning - In-Person in Columbia
• Mondays in March - UMC Polity - Online via Zoom
• Mondays beginning March 17 - A Discipleship Toolbox - Online via Zoom

 Jump Start: Supercharged Communications

Ready to take your local church communications to the next level? Join us for our next Jump Start workshop on March 4 where we’ll consider questions around effective communications, copyright and licensing, and crisis communications. 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-communications-18792899

 Immigration Resources and Legal Guidance

Beginning almost immediately, the new U.S. President’s administration sought to draw attention to the enforcement of laws related to undocumented immigration. The speed with which Executive Orders and shifts in policy implementation took place generated significant media attention and heightened anxiety for many communities throughout Missouri. The Annual Conference urges caution, humility and compassion in a situation that is uncertain and unpredictable. We've compiled resources and legal guidance for Missouri United Methodist churches at this link: https://www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/responding-to-immigration-changes-18896794.

 MUMF Scholarship Opportunities

The Missouri United Methodist Foundation awards various college scholarships to United Methodist students each year.  The MUMF application must be submitted between January 1 and April 1 each year. 

Tax Resources for Clergy

Whether you’re preparing your own taxes or are working with a tax professional, special rules and exemptions for pastors aren’t always clear.

Here are some resources to help!
 

Discipleship Ministries: Clergy Taxes: An Overview (Webinar – February 10)
Missouri Annual Conference: Five Quick Tips for Clergy Taxes
IRS Website: Members of the Clergy

 Preaching Content Planning Calendar

A content calendar, designed for busy and bivocational pastors, to plan a full year of Sundays. This resource provides a ready-to-use calendar that you can customize for your local church in a couple of hours. Each calendar section includes tools, resources and monthly ideas. Download the free resource at www.moumethodist.org/resourcedetail/using-a-content-calendar-to-plan-your-year-18756864. 

New Institute for Modern Worship Partnership

The Missouri Annual Conference has partnered with the Institute for Modern Worship to offer tailored coaching and consulting for worship ministries. Through this partnership, your church can receive up to four, FREE coaching hours with an IMW Worship Consultant. Learn more at https://www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/18890639

 Be Aware of Phishing Attempts

It has become common for email scammers to use spoof email accounts that appear to be from people like Conference leaders and local church pastors. Please remain vigilant in reviewing the validity of emails. The Federal Trade Commission offers advice for how to recognize and avoid phishing scams at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams.

 Stay Connected

Stay Connected with the Missouri Conference

As Annual Conference draws near, we want to make sure you stay informed of the exciting opportunities the Missouri Annual Conference is offering. View our annual stay connected letter to see the many ways you can connect and follow the Missouri Conference: https://www.moumethodist.org/newsdetail/18891548