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Did you know that GCFA works to create bulk buying discounts for the United Methodist Connection? This extends to technology – we work on your behalf to save valuable ministry dollars. Need access to Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, or other Microsoft applications? You're able to set up file sharing, backup, and recovery for all your Microsoft files. Your ministry can get Microsoft Office for $5.65 with GCFA! (Licences can vary) Need Adobe Discounts?

GCFA Announces Ministry Partnership with Payroll Partners, Streamlined Payroll and Human Capital Solutions Nashville, Tennessee – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) proudly welcomes Payroll Partners, a national cloud-based payroll, timekeeping, and human resources solution provider, to its Ministry Partner Program. From cost-saving software to discount programs, GCFA’s Ministry Partner Program cultivates relationships with businesses vetted based on the Church’s social principles to provide enhanced denominational services. Payroll Partners, a leader in the payroll processing industry and the newest addition to GCFA’s collaborative alliance, is dedicated to providing ministries in the Connection with cohesive workforce management solutions. The inclusion of Payroll Partners marks a significant stride in empowering United Methodist ministries with streamlined, efficient, and tailored payroll and human capital solutions. This innovative platform brings a wealth of specialized knowledge that directly addresses the unique payroll and tax needs of clergy and growing ministries, allowing more focus and energy to be spent on their core missions. Founded in 1996, Payroll Partners effortlessly delivers value through flexible cloud technology and individualized support, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions to facilitate the operations of growing ministries, including: Seamless Payroll and Tax Administration Time and Attendance Tracking Streamlined Employee Leave Accrual & Tracking Administrator & Employee Self-Service HR Support Center for Human Resource Management Solutions Robert Hernandez, Client Engagement Director of Payroll Partners, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are honored to announce our partnership with the General Council on Finance and Administration, a pivotal step in extending our comprehensive payroll, timekeeping, and human capital management solutions to United Methodist Ministries across the nation. Our services, backed by our unwavering commitment to personalized customer support, will empower these churches with tailored solutions to navigate their unique needs with enhanced efficiency and peace of mind.” Kellie Schmeal, Relationship Director at GCFA, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with Payroll Partners exemplifies our commitment to equipping United Methodist organizations with the necessary tools for sustained growth. This partnership will enable ministries to focus on their vital missions while entrusting their payroll and human capital needs to a trusted partner." To learn more about GCFA’s ministry partnership with Payroll Partners, visit https://www.gcfa.org/payroll-partners or call 866-367-4232.

Transform Your Fundraising Efforts: Customizable Template for Impactful Fundraising Welcome to our adaptable Giving Estimate Template letter designed to revolutionize your ministry's fundraising efforts. This resource empowers you to easily customize and communicate your ministry's financial needs and impact on your community. Tailor this template to your ministry's unique goals, achievements, and future plans. Simplify your fundraising process and inspire engagement by showcasing the direct impact of contributions. Adapt effortlessly to changes in financial circumstances, ensuring a proactive approach to fundraising strategies. Special Thanks to West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee for wording on our template.

Financial Empowerment Hub: Elevate Your Church's Ministry with Top 5 Resources Are you ready to take your church's financial management to the next level? At UMC Support, we understand the unique challenges that churches face when it comes to managing their finances effectively. That's why we've curated our top 5 financial resources for your ministry in 2023. These resources have been carefully selected to provide practical guidance and actionable insights, helping you transform your church's financial landscape. 1.Local Church Audit Guide: Ensure transparency and accountability in your financial operations while adhering to best practices. 2. Special Clergy Tax Topics: Navigate the complex world of clergy tax and financial planning with confidence and compliance. 3. Church Office Best Financial Practices: Streamline your administrative processes and enhance your financial efficiency. 4. Putting Together a Church Budget to Accomplish Your Goals: Create a budget that aligns with your ministry's mission and vision. 5. Good Accounting Controls: Implement strong accounting controls to safeguard your church's financial assets and maintain trust within your congregation.

Strengthen your ministry's financial foundation and ensure responsible stewardship with this insightful webinar hosted by UMC Support! Want more resources straight to your inbox? Subscribe to The Collaborator, GCFA’s Administrative Newsletter. Never miss an issue – get quality resources, explainers, checklists and more – for FREE!

PRESS RELEASE General Council on Finance and Administration 1908 Grand Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37212 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 12, 2023 Contact: Brandy M. Bivens 615-369-2338 bbivens@gcfa.org GCFA LAUNCHES "DATA-DRIVEN DISCERNMENT" CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE DELEGATES AND MEMBERS ON FINANCIAL AND LEGAL ISSUES AHEAD OF GENERAL CONFERENCE Nashville, Tennessee – The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is excited to announce the launch of a new campaign, "Data-Driven Discernment: Charting Hope at General Conference." To ensure that delegates and members are well-informed and equipped to make informed decisions, the "Data-Driven Discernment" campaign aims to foster financial stewardship, create awareness of legal implications, and emphasize data-backed decision making by members of The United Methodist Church in preparation for the upcoming General Conference. The first educational video, “Strengthening the Episcopal Fund,” is being released today and is accompanied by current financial reporting and economic modeling. GCFA plans to release a number of videos and resources focusing on the budget process, understanding disaffiliation, financial implications of proposed legislation, and more. “"We believe that informed delegates and members are essential for the health and vitality of our denomination," said Rev. Moses Kumar, General Secretary of GCFA. "Through the 'Data-Driven Discernment' campaign, we aim to empower our community with knowledge, fostering a more informed and engaged decision-making process.” For more information about the "Data-Driven Discernment" campaign and to access educational resources, please visit www.GCFA.org/generalconference. ### 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 brand, offering quality ministry services to The United Methodist Connection in the areas of Communications, Copyright Consultation, Event Sponsorship Support, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Travel and Meeting Planning. UMC Support also has a vetted ministry partner program, offering discounts and savings programs to ministries in the Connection.

Effective Strategies for Ministries: Distributing Press Releases for Church Events and Services In today's digital age, spreading the word about church events and services is essential for ministries to engage their congregation and reach out to the broader community. One powerful tool in your outreach toolkit is the press release. Well-crafted press releases can help you share exciting news about upcoming events, services, and impactful activities within your ministry. For help writing a press release, see GCFA’s handy guide to optimizing your writing for a press release. So, now that you’ve written a great press release, how do you distribute it? 1. Target Your Audience Consider who you want to reach with your press release. Are you targeting local media outlets, church members, or the wider community? Tailor your press release to speak directly to your intended audience. For example, local media may be more interested in the community impact, while church members might want to know how the event aligns with the ministry's mission. 2. Choose Distribution Channels To maximize the reach of your press release, consider using multiple distribution channels: Local Media: Send your press release to local newspapers, radio stations, and television channels. Personalize your outreach by addressing specific journalists or editors who cover community events or religion. Check and see if any of your members or ministry volunteers have relationships with your local media and community. Online Platforms: Utilize your ministry's website, social media accounts, and email newsletters to share the press release with your congregation and online community. Press Release Distribution Services: Explore online press release distribution services that can help your press release reach a broader audience. Some popular options include PR Newswire, PRWeb, and Business Wire. These can be expensive, so you may want to weigh the benefits with the cost, depending on the size and impact of your event. Email Distribution: Send the press release directly to your church's mailing list to ensure that your congregation is informed and engaged. 3. Follow Up After distributing your press release, follow up with media outlets to confirm receipt and inquire if they need any additional information or interviews. Personalized follow-ups can build relationships with journalists and increase the likelihood of coverage. 4. Monitor and Measure Track the impact of your press release by monitoring media coverage, website traffic, social media engagement, and attendance at the event or service. Use analytics tools to assess the effectiveness of your distribution strategies and adjust your approach for future releases accordingly. Press releases are a valuable tool for ministries to promote church events and services. By defining your message, crafting compelling content, targeting the right audience, utilizing various distribution channels, following up with media outlets, and measuring your results, you can effectively spread the word about your ministry's impactful activities, engage your congregation, and connect with your community. Need help with your media strategy or event planning? Call the professional communicators and meeting planners at UMC Support and let us support you. Email us at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org today or call us at 866-367-4232.

Are you ready to add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebrations? Look no further! We're thrilled to offer you a fantastic collection of FREE Thanksgiving graphics that will take your holiday spirit to the next level.

Nashville, Tennessee – The Connectional Relations Team of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has added Behr Paint Company as its newest ministry partner. Behr Paint Company is one of the largest manufacturers of paints, primers, decorative finishes, stains, surface preparation, and application products for do-it-yourselfers and professionals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Founded in 1947, Behr Paint is dedicated to meeting the project needs of professionals with an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and value. Behr now provides special discounts to churches and other United Methodist entities and is committed to serving ministry projects in our denomination. “Behr Paint Company is excited to work with the General Council on Finance & Administration (GCFA) for The United Methodist Church (UMC),” said John Seidensticker, Executive Vice President of Sales at Behr Paint Company. “As America’s Most Trusted Paint Brand*, Behr is proud to offer high-quality products and cost-effective solutions for UMC members, with the lowest price per gallon on top-rated BEHR® Paint, Stains & Primers, guaranteed. We look forward to working alongside UMC members to create vibrant and inspiring environments for the community.” The new partnership with Behr further compliments other ministry partners who work to enhance ministry properties. Behr works in conjunction with GCFA’s current ministry partner, The Home Depot, to offer discounts on paints, stains, and primers for do-it-yourselfers and professionals. Kellie Schmeal, Relationship Director at GCFA said, "Expanding our network of ministry partners is an integral part of our mission to empower United Methodist churches and affiliated organizations in their endeavors. Welcoming Behr to our esteemed roster of partners signifies a significant step forward in our shared commitment to bolstering ministries and their essential work." *Ranked most trusted paint brand based on the 2023 Lifestory Research study. To learn more about the Ministry Partner program, visit the GCFA Partner page, or contact the Connectional Relations team at ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org or 866-367-4232.

Strengthening Church’s Cybersecurity with GCFA’s Security Awareness Service In today's digitally driven world, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. With the rise in cyber threats, ministries are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks such as phishing and ransomware. The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) and our ministry service brand, UMC Support, recognize the need for robust cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique needs of churches within the Connection. To address this need, UMC Support is proud to offer a comprehensive security awareness service to safeguard your congregation's digital assets. Why Cybersecurity Matters for Churches Churches store sensitive information such as member data, financial records, and confidential communications— valuable data that can be a prime target for cybercriminals. Because cyberattacks can disrupt church operations, damage reputation, and lead to significant financial losses, protecting this information should never be just a matter of compliance. It’s a moral and ethical obligation to safeguard the trust of your congregation! UMC Support’s Security Awareness Service: Key Features 1. Initial Setup and Configuration: We help you set up and configure the cybersecurity platform, ensuring that it aligns with your ministry's specific needs. 2. Administrator Account Creation: We assist in creating administrator accounts to manage and monitor your ministry's cybersecurity program effectively. 3. Email Security Configuration: Our experts provide guidance on configuring email security to protect against phishing and other email-based threats. 4. Training and Awareness Campaigns: We offer annual foundational training campaigns, remedial training campaigns, and quarterly phishing campaigns to educate and prepare your congregation against cyber threats. 5. Continuous Support: Our team is here to support you throughout the year, providing assistance and guidance as needed. Affordable Pricing UMC Support offers competitive pricing for this service, ensuring that it remains accessible to churches of any size! Our pricing structure is designed to meet the unique needs of your congregation, with options for annual billing and attractive discounts for longer-term commitments. Additionally, we understand the financial constraints faced by many churches. That's why we offer non-profit discounts and competitive upgrade options, making it easier for you to protect your church's digital assets without straining your budget. Get Started Today Protecting your church's digital assets is an ongoing process, and the time to start is now. Our service not only safeguards your congregation but also upholds the trust and integrity of your church's mission. Are you ready to take your security awareness to the next level? Contact UMC Support to get started today! Email ConnectionalRelations@gcfa.org or call us at 866-367-4232.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Are you ready to honor and celebrate your amazing church leaders? Show your appreciation in style with our free, specially designed graphics and make this month extra special for your pastors and church leaders.

Are you looking to establish sound financial practices within your ministry or church? Do you want to ensure that your reimbursement policies are transparent, accountable, and align with best practices? Check out an enlightening webinar on "Accountable Reimbursement Policies for Ministries and Churches" and take a significant step towards financial excellence! Need More Legal Information For Your Ministry?