Monthly Archives: February 2015

Transitional Ministry Education (Interim Pastor Training)

The Synods of Lincoln Trails and Mid-America (MALT) have joined together to provide interim training every spring and fall to pastors nationwide. Transitional Ministry Education is intended for those presently engaged in interim ministry and those inquiring about this ministry. Committee on Ministry members and presbytery staff persons with responsibility for congregations in transition will also find the training helpful. The next interim pastor training will be April 20-24, 2015.

Find out more on the Synod of Lincoln Trails website.

Michelle J. Bartel to head theological education office

The Rev. Michelle J. Bartel, Ph.D., a theology professor and teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has been named the new coordinator for theological education for the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

In her new role, Bartel will work closely with the Committee on Theological Education (COTE), the body entrusted with the General Assembly-mandated responsibility for developing and maintaining a comprehensive, denomination-wide plan for theological education.
Read the rest on the PC(USA) site.

Learn About Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches

What You Need to Know in 2015

You can now access Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches, What You Need to Know in 2015 on pensions.org, through Benefits Connect.

Benefits Connect is the Board’s secure benefits website that provides

church treasurers and business administrators access to important information for their organization’s benefits administration responsibilities;
eligible members access to their personal and benefits information and online tools; and
access to the Tax Guide for Ministers.

Using Benefits Connect Is Easy

If you are not already using Benefits Connect, registering is easy. Go to pensions.org and click Register beside Benefits Connect. You will need your PIN and email address. Follow the easy instructions to create your password and user profile.

If you have questions, call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) and speak with a member service representative.

Learn About the Changes to BOP Medical Dues

For 2015, Traditional Program medical dues are:

24.5 percent for Member + Family coverage (covering eligible family members, including covered partners and/or children); and
23 percent for Member-only coverage. (Member-only coverage is for members who are single or whose eligible family members have access to other coverage, such as employer-sponsored coverage.) Employing organizations may ask members to pay none, some, or all of the 1.5 percent allowable dues-share amount.

Learn about changes to Traditional Program medical dues for 2015

Madison Presbyterian – 200 Years

UPDATE: This event was originally scheduled for 2/22/15, however, due to weather concerns, it has been rescheduled, and will now take place on 3/15/15.

The Session and the Congregation of the Madison Presbyterian Church invite you to join us in a celebration of our 200th anniversary.

To commemorate the George Washington Birthday Feaste, first held on February 22, 1887 (later known as a “tea”), “A Tribute to Our Heritage” will be held on March 15, 2015, at 3:00pm in the sanctuary at 202 Broadway, Madison, Indiana.

It will include brief histories of our 200 years, and special choral and instrumental music that was typical of “ye olden tyme,” as well as familiar hymns for everyone to sing.

Afterward, “patriotic” desserts will be served in the fellowship hall.

Columbia Seminary Offers New Certificate in Spiritual Direction

Decatur, GA—The Spirituality Program at the Center for Lifelong Learning is pleased to announce the new Certificate in Spiritual Direction program. The first residential session will begin in the fall of 2015. Applications for the first cohort will be accepted through April 30, 2015. The application may be accessed here.

This program of study is designed for individuals who discern a call to the practice of Spiritual Direction. Grounded in the tradition of Christian Spirituality, the curriculum includes four one week-long residencies on the Columbia Theological Seminary campus, individual reading and reflection, and supervised practice in the art of spiritual direction. Organized on the cohort model, the certificate is intended to be completed in two and a half years.

Spiritual Direction, often called spiritual companioning or spiritual friendship, is an intentional relationship between a person seeking spiritual guidance (the directee) and a trained individual (the spiritual director). Together with the Holy Spirit, they listen for and explore the workings of God in the directee’s life.

During the residencies students will receive practical training in the art of spiritual direction through supervised practice in facilitated small groups. At home students will meet monthly for one hour with a supervisor in their area to further their learning in the practice of spiritual direction.

Upon completion of the requirements of this program, a certificate of completion will be awarded. The certificate will attest to completion of this formation and training program to develop the gifts and sensibilities of spiritual directors and support their callings to this ministry.

Associate Director of Spirituality Debra Weir says of this new venture, “I sense this program will fully open the contemplative dimension of the Spirituality Program and support growing depth in the Columbia Seminary community at large.” She expressed eagerness to meet and start working with program participants and course leaders during the first program cycle.

Columbia Theological Seminary is committed to “educating imaginative, resilient leaders for God’s changing world.” The Spirituality Program at the Center for Lifelong Learning offers courses and events as a resource for church professionals and lay people. For a complete list of classes offered by the Center for Lifelong Learning, visit www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-courses-and-events.

For more information on the Certificate in Spiritual Direction program, please contact:
Debra Weir
Associate Director, Spirituality and Lifelong Learning
404-687-4557
weir.debra@ctsnet.edu

CBA Certification course at Union Presbyterian Seminary

The Leadership Institute at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond VA is again offering the core courses necessary for certification as a Church Business Administrator through The Church Network (NACBA). This program will take place July 21-24 and/or July 27-30, 2015.

Cost for the program, which will fulfill all of the core course requirements, is $550 for both weeks (8 days), $275 for one week or the other (4 days), or $85 per day for individual classes (a two-day class would be $170; both days of a two-day class are required).

Topics are:

JULY 21-24, 2015

Managing Strategic Planning Issues (1 day)
Managing Human Resources (2 days)
Managing Communication Issues (1 day)

JULY 27-30, 2015

Managing Financial Issues (2 days)
Managing Legal and Tax Issues (1 day)
Managing Facilities and Property Issues (1 day)

Meals and on-campus housing are available. Visit the website for more information, http://www.upsem.edu/leadership_institute/certificate_programs/church_business_administrators/

Or go directly to https://www.regonline.com/cba2015 to register. You do not need to be seeking certification to attend these very helpful seminars.

Stay tuned: On October 1, 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary will offer a seminar on Church Technology Basics and Church Technology Trends, led by Bryan Compton of the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, for which you can earn 0.8 CEUs toward certification, or to keep your credentials current. Registration information will be forthcoming at the website.