Bishop's Itineration - Odessa

FUMC-Odessa brings the music!
DS, Eddie Rivera provides an update on the
El Paso District.
El Paso District Lay Leader, Kathy Jewell 
Conversations
Bishop Bledsoe - our Facilitator

Sharing table conversation take-aways
Praying for our clergy.
Praying for our Laity.
Celebrating Eddie & Karin's Birthdays.
More conversations...


 
To the clergy of the New Mexico Annual Conference:
     A federal judge in Wisconsin has once again ruled against the constitutionality of the tax exemption for clergy housing allowances. Nothing changes for now, as the ruling does not take effect immediately.  The ruling will likely go on to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals again. Judge Crabb's first decision several years ago to strike down as unconstitutional the law that gives clergy tax-free housing allowances was reversed in that Court of Appeals. The ruling will probably go to the Supreme Court if held up in the 7th Circuit

     It is our understanding that if upheld, this ruling would only initially affect the states covered by the 7th circuit (which are Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin). So, clergy in our conference with housing allowances will not be immediately affected. Also, this ruling does not yet challenge the clergy housing tax exemption for pastors who live in church-owned parsonages. It's only for clergy who receive a housing allowance. How it affects retired clergy is also unknown at this time. That provision is not being specifically challenged, as far as we know. 
     So, the bottom line is that there is no need to panic yet, but this is a development that we all need to continue monitoring. We understand the federal government and the Church Alliance will vigorously defend the continuation of the housing allowance. And if by some reason the housing allowance is ever discontinued nationally, We would hope that clergy would stop being treated as self-employed for Social Security and Medicare taxes so that tax could be cut in half from 15.30% to 7.65%. 
     We will continue to update you as developments occur. In the meantime, you may be interested in a brief summary news article on the ruling at https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/wisconsin/articles/2017-10-09/federal-judge-strikes-down-tax-free-housing-for-clergy .
 
Dru Ann Kuntz, Conference Benefits Officer 
Cathy Anderson, Conference Treasurer

 Position Announcement: Conference Treasurer/Statistician 

Reports to: Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A)/Provost
Effective: December 1, 2017
Directly Supervises:  N/A
FLSA: Exempt/Salaried/Full-Time
 
Summary: The mission of the New Mexico Annual Conference (NMAC) is "to engage, equip, and empower every local church in its mission to develop dynamic disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." The Conference Treasurer/Statistician provides the primary administrative support for the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CF&A), oversees all aspects of the day-to-day financial management of the Annual Conference, including payroll, accounts payable, and receipts. This person is responsible for assisting with the preparation of the annual budget and spending plan for the Annual Conference and monitoring tithes from local congregations and expenditures according to the budget/spending plan. The Treasurer prepares monthly and annual reports for CF&A and the Cabinet and works closely with other Conference staff and leadership. As Statistician, this person is responsible for collecting, distributing, and analyzing statistical information from local churches on an annual basis. This person is also the primary resource person for laity and clergy from local churches regarding financial matters and statistical reporting.
 
Qualifications and Experience :
  • experience with basic accounting practices and software (bookkeeping, payroll, taxes)
  • familiarity with the structure and practices of The United Methodist Church is helpful
  • ability to travel for work (on occasion)
  • flexibility in working with a variety of individuals in different settings/contexts
  • highly organized, detail oriented and can work independently
Application Materials Requested: Interested applicants should complete and submit the following information:
  • letter of interest, which includes responses to these questions:
    • what is it about this position that appeals to you the most?
    • how has your past work experience prepared you for a role such as this?
  • current resume, detailing qualifications and past work experience
All resumes and information, as well as any questions should be submitted to Maryann Harrison (email: frontdesk@nmconfum.com , phone: 505-255-8786) no later than Friday, November 3, 2017.
 

Fall Clergy Retreat Speaker - Rev. Jerry Herships
     Rev. Jerry Herships is a former comedian and entertainer who decided to take his unique gifts and follow a calling into the ministry. Jerry recognized the need for a kind of ministry that reached people who may not feel comfortable in a church.  Having spent much of his life in bars and clubs, he says that he speaks the language, so it was a natural choice to bring church into several bars in Denver.  He has created a community not only among his bar-going congregants but also through the bar owners, managers and servers.  People who attend AfterHours spend part of their time making peanut butter sandwiches and serving the homeless of Denver.  He shares his passion for the ministry with a lot of humor and humility.  Thanks to Rev. Jerry Herships for his vision, energy and passion. 
AfterHours Ministry - Rev. Jerry Herships
AfterHours Ministry - Rev. Jerry Herships

Employee Assistance Program Reminder
EAP Beneifts 
EAP Benefits Video 

Bad things happen but whether it is the constant stream of information, news, social media or we are indeed in a difficult time in history, it seems like we are being bombarded by
bad news lately.  For clergy and those who work in the church, it can be especially difficult having to address and try to make some sense of these issues for your congregation. We would like to remind you that if you are enrolled in Healthflex, there are mental health benefits available to you.  Click here for all the info  

New Quadrennium = New Statistics
  New Quadrennium = New Statistics. Church stats are not due until January but if you are an eager beaver, you can check out the new info required now. Examples of changes are online worship numbers, gender by self Identification, etc.  Questions?  Contact Cathy Anderson, Conference Statistician at 505-255-8786, ext. 103.

UMC CyberCampus Resources

 UMC Cyber Campus is a service of the Clergy Lifelong Learning office at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church. Our office provides continuing education resources and guidelines for the professional development of Christian leaders.

 

Charge Conference Season is upon us!

Get your current forms!
Click here for Charge Conference Forms
Click here for SPRC forms


The Farmington Itineration is Saturday & the ABQ Itineration is Sunday. 
 

Upcoming Events
 
October
Oct. 26-29 - Selah Retreat - Sacramento  
Oct. 24 - Instituto Mujer Virtuoso Hispana - St. Mark's UMC-El Paso 
Oct. 27-29 - Connect Rest - Sacramento
Oct. 27-28 - UMW Annual Conference - First-Odessa
November
Nov. 3-5 - Explore Calling - Portland, OR
Nov. 7 - Be Strong & of Good Courage Workshop - FUMC-Roswell 
Nov. 10-11- CLM Training - Asbury-Odessa
Nov. 10-11 - CLM Training - University-Las Cruces   
Nov. 18 - ERT Training - First-Farmington 
 
Fall Itineration Schedule
Oct 21 - Farmington, First UMC 10:00 am
Oct 22 - Albuquerque, St. John's 2:00 pm
Nov 18 - El Paso, Trinity-First 2:00 pm   
 
 
Click here for the Conference Calendar

Classifieds
Conference Calendar
UMC website
 


RELEVANT, PASSIONATE, AND LIFE-CHANGING CHURCHES

New Mexico Annual Conference  

11816 Lomas Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM 87112

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Receptionist Hours: 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

(800) 678-8786 toll free; (505) 255-8786; (505) 265-6184 fax

 Click here to view our staff listing  

 

 

Please send photos, articles, events, etc. to Alli Costello, Communications Director at alli@nmconfum.com.  Send classified ads to frontdesk@nmconfum.com.