A Tax Credit for Churches

If your church provides health insurance to its staff, did you know it may be eligible for a valueable tax credit this year (and possibly future years)?  As a part of President Obama's health care reform passed last year, small employers (Including churches and nonprofits) can receive this credit, depending on whether they meet certain criteria.  The deadline to claim this credit for 2010 is May 15, 2011. 

To continue this article follow  this link.

Follow this link for an explanation on  YouTube.  And another helpful article is found here.

CBAmerica has helpful information on their webpage.

MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP TRUST

Accepting New Enrollments

HMO & PPO health plans

HMO & PPO dental plans

Group Life insurance

Short Term Disability   Insurance - New

Cancer Insurance - New

Call 1-877-700-1320 for a no-obligation quote.

2011 Pastor & Staff Retreat - May 23rd-25th

Effective leadership development is another part of the Pastor and Staff Retreat. This year's speaker is Steve Stenstrom. He is a former NFL quarterback who has been developing leaders for many years. 

Yes, according to a major study of several thousand clergy.  In particular, how does it affect the congregations that these clergy serve?  The findings are amazing, drawn from a nationally-representative sample in 2008 that studied several thousand pastors.  It asked if pastoral leader participated regularly in a small group of peers for continuing education and support during the last 5 years, and then compared those who said "yes" with those who said "no".

In academic language:  pastoral leaders in peer groups reflect and shape congregations that are participatory, missional, and support their continueing education.  Such leaders are also active in their self-development and self-care and are self-differentiated.

Translated:  Congregations with pastoral leaders who participated in peer groups....continued

NextGen Cluster Group Update

Thursday, May 5th

 The critical challenges facing America and the culture at large call fro faithful, persevering intercession - not only on the National Day of Prayer, but throughout the year.  As Martin Luther once said, "Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness."  What comfort and encouragement are available in the assurance that our sovereign God is attuned to our pleas, that He waits to intervene on our behalf, and that He is "mighty to save" (Zephaniah 3:17).

The 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer will take  place on Thursday, May 5th and the them we've chosen is A Mighty Fortress is Our God.  This was inspired by Psalm 91:2, which states, "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."  At his perilous and uncertain juncture in our country's history, it is critical that we remain in prayer.  The American people continue to be plagued with challenges that defy simple answers, and our hop lies in humbly seeking the Almighty's guidance, protection, and blessing.

~Shirley Dobson, Chaiman, NDP Task Force