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Your Strategic Guide to Destination Selection: Choosing the Perfect Meeting Location Planning an event requires careful consideration of several factors to guarantee a successful affair. In this guide, we'll walk you through essential elements to consider when selecting the perfect destination for your meeting. 1. Time of Year: Does your event coincide with the city’s peak travel season or off-season? Note that hotel rates tend to be higher during the peak season. 2. Weather: Keep in mind the season and weather conditions during the chosen month. Be aware of potential challenges, such as hurricane season or blizzards, that may impact travel. 3. Accessible Destination: Evaluate the ease of access to the chosen city by plane or car. Will the meeting be held in a large metropolitan city or a rural town? Assess transportation options, including direct flights, and factor in potential city traffic. 4. Exploration Destination: Check if the city offers attractions, shopping, and restaurants within walking distance or a short drive. Consider whether the destination is more rural, limiting attendees' ability to explore without a mode of transportation. 5. Parking: Does the venue have sufficient parking to accommodate all attendees? Inquire about valet and/or self-parking options. Does the venue charge for parking? If so, explore discounts or complimentary options. 6. Venue: Assess the size of the venue's ballroom to ensure it can accommodate your general session in the desired seating arrangement. Will the group need to reuse the ballroom for meals or are alternative rooms available to host meals? Does the venue have enough meeting space to accommodate all events (breakouts, general sessions, meals, etc.)? 7. Food and Beverage: Check if the venue offers in-house catering and whether the menu aligns with your group's budget. Inquire about policies regarding outside food or beverage. Will the group have any off-site meals they need to organize? Consider in conjunction with the exploration aspect. 8. Transportation: Determine if shuttles will be provided to and from the airport or for off-site events. Are transportation services easy or difficult to arrange? Check the availability of public transportation options in the chosen destination (Uber, train, bus, etc.) Examining all aspects, from exploration opportunities to weather conditions, will bring you closer to a seamless experience for all attendees. Ready for a new approach? Let us handle the logistics! Contact UMC Support at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org to begin planning an event that transcends the ordinary. Dive into our curated selection of the top 10 Annual Conference planning resources here.

No. 1: World Service Fund When United Methodist congregations give their share of apportioned funds, they participate in God’s work. The World Service Fund is the heart of our collective church ministry. Through this fund... No. 2: Ministerial Education Fund The Ministerial Education Fund was established by action of the 1968 General Conference. Its mission is to engage the membership of the church in an effort to equip annual conferences, theological schools, and... No. 3: The Black College Fund The 1972 General Conference established the Black College Fund as one of the apportioned general church funds. The objective of the fund is to provide financial support for institutions of higher education that have historically... No. 4: Africa University Fund The 1988 General Conference approved the establishment of a United Methodist university on the continent of Africa. By the time the 1992 General Conference convened, the site selection process was complete, the Zimbabwe Annual Conference... No. 5: The Episcopal Fund The 1988 General Conference approved the establishment of a United Methodist university on the continent of Africa. By the time the 1992 General Conference convened, the site selection process was complete, the Zimbabwe Annual Conference... No. 6: General Administration Fund The General Administration Fund (¶ 813) finances general church activities that are specifically administrative in nature. In the 2025-2028 quadrennium, the jurisdictional apportionments for these General Administration Fund activities will... No. 7: Interdenominational Cooperation Fund The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund allows The United Methodist Church to fulfill our disciplinary mandate to continually strive toward... No. 8: Apportionment Formulas The Book of Discipline provides that the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) will recommend the formulas by which all apportionments to the annual conferences shall be... No. 9: General Church Special Sunday Offerings The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), in consultation with the Connectional Table (CT) and the Council of Bishops, makes recommendations to... No. 10: Committee on Audit and Review The Committee on Audit and Review (Committee) of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has the principal function of assessing the... No. 11: Directives for the Administration of the General Funds Fixed charges in any of the general funds will be paid as expended within the limits of the approved budgets. However, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is... No. 12: Pay Equity in the General Agencies of The United Methodist Church Paragraph 807.12a requires the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) to “gather from all general agencies... No. 13: References from Previous General Conferences The 2016 General Conference referred three petitions (60945, 60946, 60947) to the Connectional Table (CT), the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters (Standing Committee), and GCFA. Each... No. 14: General Church Sources of Funding to The General Council on Finance and Administration The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) fulfills a wide variety of oversight responsibilities within The United Methodist Church. Spending by GCFA is in support of... No. 15: Income from The Board of Trustees and the Permanent Fund The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA), by action of the 1972 General Conference, serves as the successor to The Board of Trustees of The... No. 16: Report on General Agencies Headquarters/Staff Location Via ¶ 807.6 of the Book of Discipline, the General Conference has assigned the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) the following responsibility... No. 17: The United Methodist Church Foundation Investment Management As we approach the twenty-fifth anniversary of The United Methodist Church Foundation d/b/a Foundation Investment Management (FIM), we are proud to have grown as a ministry of... No. 18: United Methodist Insurance Co., Inc. Since 1976, the General Conference has required the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) to make available a “church-wide [property and liability] insurance program.” The General Conference revisited... No. 19: World Service Specials The Book of Discipline defines a World Service Special as “a designated financial contribution made by an individual, local church, organization, district, or annual conference to a...

One of the most frequently asked questions at our Help Desk involves passwords. Watch this short video and protect your ministry! For more information on how we can support your ministry through technology, click here

The Western North Carolina Annual Conference has developed a helpful checklist for local churches to protect their local finances. Thanks to Western North Carolina Annual Conference for developing a handy Checklist for Protection of Church Finances!

Discover the key to crafting a robust IT budget for your ministry. Leverage cost optimization, grants, and more!

New Year, New Approach to Annual Conference Planning. As the New Year unfolds, so do the opportunities to bring your conference together in a powerful way. Hosting an annual conference is not just an event; it's a chance to connect, collaborate, and cultivate a vision for the future. To ensure your annual conference is a resounding success, UMC Support’s Travel and Meeting Planning team is here to guide you through the entire process. If you’re ready to elevate your annual conference planning this year, look no further. A Quick Guide to Planning Your Annual Conference with UMC Support: Step 1: Define Your Objectives and Budget: Articulate the purpose of your annual conference and establish a realistic budget. Our team can assist in crafting a strategic plan that aligns with your goals but also maximizes financial efficiency. Step 2: Choose the Right Format: Decide whether an in-person, virtual, or hybrid event best suits your conference’s needs. We'll help you navigate the pros and cons of each format to create a memorable experience. Step 3: Selecting the Perfect Venue: With an extensive network of venues and hotels, our team will assist you in finding the ideal space that accommodates your conference’s size, logistical considerations, and budget constraints. UMC Support’s certified, faith-based planners and attorneys can expertly review and negotiate contracts on your behalf to save you a fortune! Step 4: Streamlined Registration Process: Ensure a seamless experience for everyone involved, from organizers to participants. Utilize our advanced event management software to effortlessly handle registrations, track attendance, and communicate with attendees. Seize the opportunity to plan an unforgettable annual conference this New Year! Let UMC Support's expert Travel and Meeting Planning department handle logistics from start to finish so you can focus on the spiritual growth and connection that your annual conference deserves. Get Started Today! Ready to bring your vision to life with precision and purpose? Contact UMC Support to begin planning an annual conference that transcends the ordinary at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org. Explore Our Resources! Dive into our top 10 Annual Conference planning resources here.

Sharing space with other organizations and ministries is a great way to extend your relationship with the community, provide assistance to those in need, and perhaps generate some additional revenue or resources. Doing so may also introduce new insurance exposures for your church to deal with. Property of others. Most policies contain an exclusion for the property of others in your care, custody, and control. So, when the once vacant garage burns to the ground while filled with someone else’s stuff … there will not be much property coverage under the church’s policy. Pollution. If something in that storage area is a hazardous material, it could create a coverage issue for you or make your risk more difficult to cover. A spill may be covered by their liability insurance, but this is still a new exposure for your church. Liability Coverage: Make sure that the liability coverage in place is a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence. For any coverage provided by a third party, make sure that the church is listed as an Additional Insured 100% of the time. This will ensure that your coverage is adequate and that the third party’s policy will be the first to respond in the event of a claim related to the leased or rented area. Lessors Risk. When a lease is in place for outside use of your premises, the underwriter will add an additional charge to the general liability coverage for lessor’s risk. This coverage provides protection in the event a tenant makes a claim against you for damage to their property or personal injury. General Increase in Risk. Having additional traffic from people not related to the church can create additional hazards not normally associated with a house of worship. This may require additional steps to secure your property and to ensure that you are adequately protected against these new exposures. You should factor the increased cost of insurance coverage into the decision to rent or lease space. The added revenue should easily offset the cost of coverage and prevent a large loss in the event of damage to property or if someone is injured. This article was originally published by United Methodist Insurance Program

Nashville, Tennessee – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) continues its commitment to empower members and delegates of The United Methodist Church with pertinent legal and financial information in preparation for the upcoming General Conference with the release of its latest video, "UMC: Journey of a Dollar." This video, part of the ongoing "Data-Driven Discernment: Charting Hope at General Conference" campaign, sheds light on the intricate path a dollar takes once it enters the offering plate, demystifying how it funds essential ministries within The United Methodist Church. Building on the success of the initial video, "Strengthening the Episcopal Fund," the "Journey of a Dollar" installment aims to provide transparency and understanding regarding the financial journey of contributions. This resource is a vital component of GCFA's broader initiative to foster financial stewardship, enhance awareness of legal implications, and encourage data-backed decision-making in preparation for the upcoming General Conference. "We recognize the importance of fostering financial understanding within our United Methodist community. 'Journey of a Dollar' takes our members on a visual exploration, unraveling the mysteries of how their contributions make a meaningful impact on the ministries we hold dear," stated Rev. Moses Kumar, General Secretary of GCFA. "This video is a crucial step in equipping our delegates and members with the knowledge they need for informed decision-making." For more information about the "Data-Driven Discernment" campaign and to access the latest video, please visit www.GCFA.org/general-conference

Download Your FREE Customizable Christmas Card We've crafted a beautiful Christmas card, ready to be customized with your heartfelt messages. Share the warmth of the season with your congregation and community with a personalized touch.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 2023 Contact: Brandy Bivens 615-369-2338 bbivens@gcfa.org Nashville, Tennessee – The Board of Directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) held its quarterly board meeting virtually November 17, 2023, where it approved spending plans and received an update on the quadrennial budget process ahead of General Conference. The 2024 spending plans of the general agencies receiving general Church funds, including GCFA, were approved. The total spending in the 2024 plans show a decline of 15% compared to 2017. Reserve changes were reviewed for each agency. Overall unrestricted reserves are projected to increase by $3.2 million in 2023 and decline by $9.2 million in 2024. All but two agencies are projecting a decline in reserves, but each agency has sufficient reserves to accommodate their spending plans. The Board also approved the 2024 spending plan of $24.8 million for the Episcopal Fund, as is required each year. Assumptions for the spending plan include a jurisdictional apportionment collection rate of 85% and central conference collection rate of 50%. The spending plan also includes a 3% increase in salary and office allowances for all Bishops, while the housing allowances will remain at 2023 levels. The Board also approved continuing a stipend through August 2024 for active Bishops serving more than one area, at $2500 a month, as having nine active bishops serving in interim roles represents a savings of $1.45 million. The Board also received an update on next steps in the quadrennial budget process. The GCFA Board will meet in February 2024 to approve an updated budget, once year-end statistics, including disaffiliation, are known. Following that meeting, GCFA and The Connectional Table will meet to discuss allocations, and the final budget as recommended will be presented in committee and plenary at the General Conference, which starts April 23, 2024. The Board also affirmed the intention to begin reinstating the housing and office allowances to the East Africa Episcopal Area when the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) informs GCFA that adequate progress has been made on an agreement between Bishop Wandabula and GBGM. # # # # # The General Council on Finance and Administration coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests, and rights of the Church, and provides administrative resources to enable the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church. UMC Support is GCFA’s Ministry Support Services division, providing solutions and sustaining ministries in the areas of Communications and Marketing, Human Resources, Technology, Finance, Copyright, Ministry Partnerships, and Travel and Meeting Planning. To learn more about UMC Support, sign up for our monthly newsletter, The Collaborator Follow us on Facebook and visit us at our website!

Nashville, Tennessee – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is pleased to announce Park Thrive as its newest Ministry Partner, welcoming the cutting-edge platform into a collaborative denominational alliance. Established to cultivate associations with external vendors and businesses sharing aligned social principles with the United Methodist Connection, GCFA’s extensive Ministry Partner Program offers vetted services that help local churches and ministries become more efficient and create extra revenue through property solutions, discount programs, group purchasing, and more. The inclusion of Park Thrive, a dynamic parking payment and management solution, signifies a strategic move to transform underutilized parking areas into revenue-generating assets for ministries. This addition to the Ministry Partner Program represents GCFA's commitment to fostering innovation that serves the diverse needs of the denomination. Championing effortless activation, seamless integration, and complete parking management, this pioneering platform will assist ministries in optimizing their operations while generating thriving revenue streams. Matthew Kingsbury, Chief Operating Officer of Park Thrive, shared his enthusiasm: "Park Thrive is excited to partner with the United Methodist Church to help congregations maximize parking income from their underutilized parking lots and existing paid parking operations. Through this exclusive revenue share program, UMC congregations can earn more from their parking lots to support their invaluable work and mission." Religious and non-profit organizations that have embraced Park Thrive have seen substantial benefits, with monthly parking revenue ranging from $800 to $20,000. Deeming any parking lot not to 100% capacity 24/7 as a wasted opportunity for the company to make the denomination money, Park Thrive is dedicated to helping churches capitalize on their unused space. Kellie Schmeal, Relationship Director at GCFA emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating: "Our collaboration with Park Thrive highlights our dedication to equipping United Methodist organizations with the innovative tools and technology they need to flourish. By transforming underutilized parking spaces into a source of revenue, we're enhancing their capacity to serve their communities and fulfill their vital missions." To learn more about GCFA’s ministry partnership with Park Thrive, visit https://www.gcfa.org/park-thrive or call (470) 837-2417. For additional information on the Ministry Partner program, visit the GCFA Partner page: https://www.gcfa.org/partners/ or contact the Connectional Relations team at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org or call 866-367-4232.

Are you ready to optimize your ministry’s donation receipt processes, inspire generosity, and maximize donations from your congregation? Are you up to date with the latest tax laws and regulations governing charitable contributions? Watch the Recap for "Maximizing Church Donation Receipts: A Guide to Financial Stewardship" and empower your church with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster financial transparency, compliance, and growth! Need More Legal Information For Your Ministry?