News from the Northwest Conference

Be in prayer for Ferguson and our nation in the midst of brokenness

Mark R. Stromberg, Superintendent

In recent days, we have witnessed the continued pain from the unfolding of events in Ferguson, MO. I wish to echo the words of prayerful concern from ECC President Gary Walter.

It is very difficult to both know and understand all that has taken place over these past few months. However, we can all agree that the entire situation is tragic for the immediate families involved, but also for the community in which this loss of life and subsequent response took place.

Further, we know that this surfaces deep wounds for many within our nation. Please be in prayer as sisters and brothers in Christ for a way forward that seeks truth and displays God's love in the midst of troubling circumstances and brokenness.

Youth Ministry

#GivingTuesday: Help NWC students go to CHIC 2015

CHIC is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a high school student. Generations of CHIC alumni tell stories of how God called them into a relationship with Him or into ministry at this triennial Covenant event. But it's expensive-$649 for registration + $205 for transportation makes it a challenge for a number of our kids.

We want to raise enough money to fund 100 $100 scholarships to invest in students who are in need. At CHIC 2012, there were 1,367 students and leaders from the Northwest Conference. For CHIC 2105, we're planning on over 1,500 people.

Please partner with us to get each kid who wants to go to CHIC to CHIC. Every dollar helps us reach our goal.

http://www.youcaring.com/other/get-northwest-conference-kids-to-chic/265502

Children, Youth and Family Ministry

Recharge 2015 registration open

A day of training for your children, youth and family ministry teams. Enjoy a day where your ministry leaders can:

fellowship, worship and pray together
renew your team's passion to continue in ministry
take away practical ideas that will impact your ministry

Jan. 10 - Twin Cities
Jan. 24 - Fargo, ND
Feb. 7 - Cedar Falls, IA

Ministryrecharge.org

Finance

Year-end reminders for your church's Finance Team

As we approach the end of the year, our friends at the Internal Revenue Service have some important requirements to have in mind:

If applicable, add Taxable Group Term Life adjustment to a payroll before 12/31/14 so it shows on the employee's 2014 W-2. This applies to staff members with insurance through Bethany Benefits.
Have the board/council/leadership team include a resolution regarding 2015 housing allowance in the minutes of a meeting before the first payment is made in 2015. Sample available here. ญญญ
Donations must be received (if hand delivered), postmarked (if mailed), or charged on a bank or credit card (not necessarily in the church's bank account by 12/31) in 2014 to be deducted on 2014 tax return. Cash contributions of $250 or more must be receipted; non-cash donations should describe the property but not include a value. (Search irs.gov for Publication 526 for more information)

2014 Superintendent's Letter to Churches Gathering in Annual Meetings Now Available

Click here for your copy of Superintendent Mark R. Stromberg's letter to churches gathering in annual meetings.

Feel free to include this letter in your annual meeting booklets or provide a copy to your church family via a bulletin insert!

NWC Website
Church Resource Bank

Our website features a great tool for churches requesting or giving away materials and resources. On the Church Resource Bank page, you can browse available requests or give-aways, and submit a new resource to share with churches in need.

December 2, 2014

IN THIS ISSUE

Be in prayer for Ferguson and our nation in the midst of brokenness

#GivingTuesday: Help NWC students go to CHIC 2015

Recharge 2015 registration open

Year-end reminders for your church's Finance Team

2014 Superintendent's Letter to Churches Gathering in Annual Meeting Now Available

NWC cal icon tan

January 10, 2015

Recharge - Twin Cities

January 24, 2015

Recharge - Fargo, ND

February 7, 2015

Recharge - Cedar Falls, IA

March 1-3, 2015

Children & Family Ministry Sabbath Retreat - Covenant Pines Bible Camp

March 27-28, 2015

WMNWC Renewal Conference - Hope Covenant Church, St. Cloud, MN

April 10-11, 2015

MOVE - Twin Cities

April 16-18, 2015

NWC Annual Meeting - Salem Covenant Church, New Brighton, MN

May 2, 2015

Go: Serve - Redeemer Covenant Church, Brooklyn Park, MN

July 12-17, 2015

CHIC - University of Tennessee

August 6-8, 2015

MUUUCE - Crossroads Church, Woodbury, MN

NWC Job Postings Page

Pastors and ministry leaders, if you have people in your congregation who are exploring ministry, on a part- or full-time basis, please refer them to our job postings page.