EFCA Update for 2009-11-19

In this issue of the EFCA Update

HELP US IMPROVE THIS NEWSLETTER

Give us an hour and we'll give you a better EFCA Update!
Communicating effectively with you is the goal. So, we're starting a conversation to explore the information topics, design, and user friendliness of this newsletter. An EFCA Update focus group discussion is planned for January 20, 2010 (join us remotely or in person). If you read and use the EFCA Update, and are willing to share feedback and suggestions, contact communications@efca.org for details on how to participate.

BUMP REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Register your youth group for this summer's BUMP urban mission weeks! 
BUMP - Bridging Urban Mission Project - is a growth level urban missions experience for junior and senior high students.  Serve an urban church for a week.  Gain ministry skills that last a lifetime.  Return home.  Change your world.

For more information and to register online now, go to http://www.efca.org/bump.

CHRISTMAS RESOURCE FROM NEXTSTEP RESOURCES

The Case for Christmas 
A Journalist Investigates the Identity of the Child in the Manger by Lee Strobel

Perfect for distribution this time of the year to your church and special holiday events, this brief book examines the life of Jesus to determine if He was just a great moral leader, a social critic, a profound philosopher, a rabbi, a feminist, a prophet...or the divine Son of God, and lets you decide for yourself.

Save 50% while supplies last!
$24.97 per 20 pack

Call (800) 444 -2665 or email nextstep@nsresources.com today.

MINISTRY CAMPAIGN SERVICES

Now may be the time to transform your ministry's vision into reality!  Lower material costs + Lower labor costs + Lower mortgage rates = Time to act for many ministries. Is it time for your ministry to expand?  Contact Ministry Campaign Services at (800) 995-8574 or steve.johnson@efca.org to begin exploring your next steps. Let's look at your journey together. It is never too early in the process to begin the conversation. For more information, check out Ministry Campaign Services on the Web.

NONCOMPLIANT RETIREMENT PLANS FACE IRS DEADLINE - Repeat

Preserving your church staff's retirement benefit requires compliance with the IRS's description of a 403(b)9 church plan. If you are uncertain that your church plan meets these requirements, contact Bud Smith at (952) 853-1772 or bud.smith@efca.org. The deadline was January 1, 2009. Penalties for noncompliance can be imposed by the IRS beginning January 1, 2010.

REACHCOLUMBUS - Repeat

ReachColumbus is a new venture to start three EFCA churches in the Columbus, OH, area. Challenge ‘10 (the EFCA student conference) will happen in Columbus next summer. Students at this conference will jump start these church plants by working with the church planting teams lending their energy, enthusiasm and labor. ReachColumbus is an amazing partnership between ReachNational Student Ministries, EFCA Start Churches, the EFCA Great Lakes District and the EFCA Allegheny District.
 
One church planter has been identified, but two more are still needed. If you know a pastor that would like to be considered for one of these church planting spots, contact Brett Gleason (BrettCGleason@aol.com), of the Great Lakes District or Jim Culbertson (alleghenyharvest@gmail.com), of the Allegheny District.
 
If you know anyone in Columbus interested in a new church, contact Jay O'Brien a (214) 929-0557 or info@columbuschurchplant.com.
 
Read additional information about this venture on the EFCA Start Churches Web site.
EFCA - Multiplying Healthy Churches Among All People

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