Last Statement Update - Thursday, July 29, 2010
Verse of the Day
MINISTRY SHARES
Through the Ministry Shares covenant, the people of The United Methodist Church connect together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Ministry Shares provide an opportunity to do together what no one person or congregation could do alone. It is an opportunity to multiply and share God's gifts in the world.
Track Your Church's Ministry Shares Performance
The Council on Finance and Administration is providing a tool to help members of local congregations keep track of how their church is doing in meeting its obligation to support the shared ministry of The United Methodist Church. A file showing the amount of each church’s Ministry Share and the progress each has made in paying that amount is available to all for viewing and/or download. To access that file point to this link to the Treasurers’ website.
The churches in the file are organized by district; click on your district to find your church. In addition to the progress being made this year, the percentage each church paid of their Ministry Share for two prior years are also listed. Please check on your church’s progress. If there any questions or discrepancies between the church's records and this report, contact Pros Tumonong, Conference Treasurer, treas@wmcumc.org, or John Kosten, johnk@wmcumc.org at 616-459-4503 or 1- 888-217-1905.
Links to Helpful Websites
2009-10 Treasuer's Letter
November 2009
Dear Pastors and Treasurers,
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving as you gather with family and friends around the dinner table being mindful of the loving God from whom all blessings flow. As we look to God as the giver of all resources and in whom we find security and peace we are challenged to dig deep in response to God’s love during this financially turbulent time.
Please review your giving report carefully as we are close to the end of the year. In this tenth month, the conference ministry shares receipts stand at 64% with Grand Rapids District at the lead with 68%. During the last two months, as a conference we usually expect to receive 25%-30% of all ministry shares to support our shared ministries. I join the Bishop and the Cabinet in their reminder to make the effort to pay in full your ministry shares. Please dig deep in response to the multiplying needs around us. If your church is blessed financially, we invite you to give more than 100% this year to make up for those churches facing financial difficulty, “so that your plenty will supply what they need.” (2Cor8:14)
Please take note that the Tables I, II and III Statistical reports for the year 2009 will again be done on the Internet using the GCFA data collection system. Deadline: February 1, 2010 Go to www.wmc.umconline.org for direction or call John Kosten in the Conference Treasurer’s Office if you need help. The pastor has the responsibility to certify the accuracy and the timeliness of these reports. (See 2008 BOD ¶ 340.2.c)(2)(f). We will provide copy of instructions for churches with no Internet access.
Tips for Giving: a) An IRA owner, age 70 ½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year to the church. Amounts are not taxable regardless of whether the donor itemizes deductions. Consult your tax advisor. b) Church treasurer must provide acknowledgement for each deductible donation of $250 or more. For amounts less than $250, the statement showing the individual dates and amounts given will suffice.
Giving made easy: Many churches have facilitated giving through automatic scheduled payments from the donor’s bank account or credit card. You can make arrangement with your bank as some churches are already doing. You can also check www.gcfa.org and click on Vanco Services, a service that is widely used by UMC churches. Please feel free to call Ann Buck if you have any questions.
Remember, in Thanksgiving, the act of “giving” follows the word “thanks”. Your gifts truly make a difference!
In Christ,
Pros
Pros Tumonong, Conference Treasurer copy: Cabinet, CFA
**P. S. You can track ministry shares giving of all churches and access other resources online. You can view or print them at www.wmc.umconline.org Click on ‘ Church Statements’ for churches’ giving report
Dear Pastors and Treasurers,
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving as you gather with family and friends around the dinner table being mindful of the loving God from whom all blessings flow. As we look to God as the giver of all resources and in whom we find security and peace we are challenged to dig deep in response to God’s love during this financially turbulent time.
Please review your giving report carefully as we are close to the end of the year. In this tenth month, the conference ministry shares receipts stand at 64% with Grand Rapids District at the lead with 68%. During the last two months, as a conference we usually expect to receive 25%-30% of all ministry shares to support our shared ministries. I join the Bishop and the Cabinet in their reminder to make the effort to pay in full your ministry shares. Please dig deep in response to the multiplying needs around us. If your church is blessed financially, we invite you to give more than 100% this year to make up for those churches facing financial difficulty, “so that your plenty will supply what they need.” (2Cor8:14)
Please take note that the Tables I, II and III Statistical reports for the year 2009 will again be done on the Internet using the GCFA data collection system. Deadline: February 1, 2010 Go to www.wmc.umconline.org for direction or call John Kosten in the Conference Treasurer’s Office if you need help. The pastor has the responsibility to certify the accuracy and the timeliness of these reports. (See 2008 BOD ¶ 340.2.c)(2)(f). We will provide copy of instructions for churches with no Internet access.
Tips for Giving: a) An IRA owner, age 70 ½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year to the church. Amounts are not taxable regardless of whether the donor itemizes deductions. Consult your tax advisor. b) Church treasurer must provide acknowledgement for each deductible donation of $250 or more. For amounts less than $250, the statement showing the individual dates and amounts given will suffice.
Giving made easy: Many churches have facilitated giving through automatic scheduled payments from the donor’s bank account or credit card. You can make arrangement with your bank as some churches are already doing. You can also check www.gcfa.org and click on Vanco Services, a service that is widely used by UMC churches. Please feel free to call Ann Buck if you have any questions.
Remember, in Thanksgiving, the act of “giving” follows the word “thanks”. Your gifts truly make a difference!
In Christ,
Pros
Pros Tumonong, Conference Treasurer copy: Cabinet, CFA
**P. S. You can track ministry shares giving of all churches and access other resources online. You can view or print them at www.wmc.umconline.org Click on ‘ Church Statements’ for churches’ giving report
Financial Committment
Treasurer's Letter
Statistical Reports (Tables I, II & III)
Treasurer's Toolbox
2009 Budget Brochure
2009 Projected Health Insurance Rates
2009 Standard Mileage Rate
2010 Budget Brochurre
2010 District Fund Rates
Church Accounting Controls 
Completing Clergy W-2
Electronic Giving Form
Five Year Ministry Share History
Log Into the GCFA Statistical Input System
Ministry Shares Policy & Procedures 
Monthy Remittance Form
Moving Expense Policy
Safeguarding Church Funds
Sample Chart of Accounts Local Church
Table I, II, III Useer's Guide
UMPIP Billing Change Form
UMPIP Contribution Agreement
Who to Ask Trustees' Toolbox
Handicap Accessibility Audit Questionnaire
Housing Allowance Guidelines
Parsonage Guidelines
Request for Use of Church Facilities
Ten Tips for Church Trustees
Trustees Report 2009