Disciples Together
January 19, 2015

Leadership Academy provides springboard for transformation

group project
Transformational leaders test their creativity through hands-on and fun exercises.

Pastors, do you wish you had a small group with whom you could bounce creative ideas?

 

Does your soul hunger for a week away from the office -- to learn, be refreshed, to pray and find creativity?

 

Are you looking for an alternative to those church conferences where you sit in an auditorium with 500 other ministers who appear to have it all together?

 

Then, join us for Leadership Academy's Transformation Cohort. For a week, you'll have a chance to learn with other pastors who share similar experiences and be led by practitioners from across the life of the Church. You can even bring a leadership team from your congregation to experience the week with you (at a discounted rate!). Read full story and register by Jan. 26

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Retirement heads up from the Pension Fund

Given the recent challenges in the economy and job markets, the timing of when to get serious about retirement has been changing. The well worn phrase, "the sooner the better," comes to mind as being applicable. Here are two little-known features of retirement programs that may help build some assets in those final years of earning a paycheck, and leverage any disposable income. Both relate to defined contribution investments; which, at Pension Fund, includes the Tax-Deferred Retirement Account (TDRA) and Roth IRA programs:

  • The 15 Years of Service Catch-Up Limit: The 15 Years of Service Catch-up provision provides the opportunity to increase annual contributions into your pre-tax accounts (TDRA, for example) for a maximum increase of $3,000 per year ($15,000 over your lifetime). It requires the contributor to have been employed by the same employer for at least 15 years. For ministers, service within the denomination is treated as being the same as employed by any one congregation or ministry. (Note: Other calculations may be required to confirm your eligibility under the 402(g)(1) regulation. Consult a tax expert if you think you qualify.)
  • The Age 50 Catch-Up Limit:  The Age 50 Catch-up provision allows a participant to make contributions in addition to those under the 402(g)(1) limits and 15 Years of Service Catch-Up Limit for the calendar year, if the member will be at least age 50 by the end of the calendar year. In 2014, the following applies: The lesser of a.)  $5,500, or b.) 100% of the member's includible compensation minus the total elective deferrals made by the member for that calendar year that are not elective deferrals under the Age 50 Catch-Up Limit (Code 414(v)(2)). (Similar to the Service Catch-up Limit, consult a tax expert.The IRS may adjust the actual limit based on cost of living. Please note that it is the sole responsibility of the contributor to understand each of these rules and how they apply in any specific case.)

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Brite Ministers Week  Feb. 9-12

On February 9-12, 2015 Brite Divinity School and Texas Christian University will host Ministers Week 2015. This year marks Brite Divinity School's 100th anniversary and the insight expressed by Rev. Carey Morgan in his dedication address remains as true today as it did on February 9, 1915, "The preacher must know the age in which he [or she] lives, because while the gospel is always the same, the church is a part of the age and is profoundly influenced by it." The age has certainly changed and, as is inherent in any new surroundings, both challenges and exciting opportunities exist for the 21st century church. No clear, certain map can guide us to the future, only waymarks pointing to the near horizon. Join us as together we explore through preaching, lectures, and short talks by fellow clergy glimpses into the cultural landscape and how some faith communities are finding new ways to be Christ's transforming presence in the world. For more information or to register, please visit www.brite.edu/mw  Registration is free. 

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Resources and continuing ed

  

Events

Resources

 

Online classes 

 

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How Your Offerings to DMF Support Mission in the Church
How Your Offerings to DMF Support Mission in the Church
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E-mail
to register by Jan. 26
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For your planning purposes:
The lectionary scripture for Feb. 8 includes Isaiah 40:21-31, part of the theme text for the General Assembly. Please consider mentioning this connection during worship.

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due Feb. 13
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Applications available for summer seminarian interns for Global Ministries; apply by March 31
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offering materials
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July 18-22, 2015

 
For your planning purposes, please note:
Please consider having a special emphasis on General Assembly March 8 and May 17. Worship materials are posted under the Promotion tab.

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General Ministries

  
Racial/Ethnic Ministries
  
Other resources

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Lilly Grant applications online

 

LEI_CRP_CTS

The Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs  at Christian Theological Seminary provide funds to congregations to support renewal leaves for their pastors. Congregations may apply for grants of to $50,000 to underwrite a renewal program for their pastor and for the pastor's family,  with up to $15,000 of those funds available to the congregation to help cover costs for ministerial supply while the pastor is away. There is no cost to the congregations or the pastors to apply; the grants represent the Endowment's continued investment in renewing the health and vitality of American Christian congregations.

DEADLINE April 15, 2015