The March issue of the Reporter is dedicated to Apportionments with a special pull-out insert, "Connecting your Church to the World." Find resources on why we give, what your apportioned dollars fund, and how Mission Links support local and global ministry projects. Look for the print Reporter in the mail and post this special section on your church bulletin board or download here to share electronically.

The Conference is thankful for the 198 churches that paid 100% apportionments in 2021 up from 159 in 2020. This is a great celebration as denominational giving dropped for the third year. Click here to read more.

If your church paid 100% (see list), download a customizable press release to announce the news and celebrate your congregation's faithful generosity in your bulletins and newsletters. Click here.

Also, in the March issue read the Bishop's column on healthy living, and the cover story on how one small church is making a big impact in their community, thanks to a year-long coaching process to help reach new people. Read the full issue here.

For more resources on apportionments, check out a newly revamped webpage on the NIC website at umcnic.org/apportionments.

In his book, “Kneeling with Giants,” Hansen offers a wide range of approaches to prayer that are all classics. What better time than Lent to search out a deeper relationship with the God who so loved the world…? Join the Discipleship Task Force in dropping to our knees by joining a group this Lenten Season. If you're interested, visit umcnic.org/Discipleship/NICBookClub to see dates, leaders and to sign up.

Registration is open for the 2022 Order of Elders gathering on Feb. 24. The event will be held via Zoom with speaker Kaitlin Curtice, author of "Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God." Click here for details.

Communicator's Corner

Have you enjoyed volunteering with the Appalachian Service Project (ASP) but want to serve closer to home? Are you a home inspector? Realtor? Construction worker? Insurance broker? Project manager? Please consider offering your time and gifts to the NIC Board of Trustees. Three people will be completing their terms of service and special consideration will be given to laywomen. The NIC Nominations Committee has begun its work for the 2022-2023 year and beyond. If you are curious about volunteering for this committee or any other ministry area, please find more information and the interest form on the NIC's Committee Volunteers webpage. 

First Aid for Mental Health erases the stigma surrounding mental health and emphasizes that it’s OK, not to be OK. It also teaches attendees how to accept their own mental health struggles without embarrassment or shame. The online training is being held March 10, 17, 23 and 2. It's open to all UMC clergy and their spouses, church leaders, staff and congregation members, at no cost. Click here for details and to register.

United Methodist leaders and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) have agreed to extend existing United Methodist-related Scouting charters through June 30. The charters had been extended through March 31, but a longer period was worked out as the BSA’s bankruptcy case continues. Read press release.

Registration is open for the Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation, "Come to the Waters," at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, WI on Lake Michigan from Oct. 2 - 7, 2022, sponsored by the NIC Spiritual Formation Committee. The cost is $625 per person if you register before March 20, 2022. This includes tuition, private room and bath, and all meals. Registration cost after that date is $700 per person. Click here for details and registration. Download the brochure.

It's grant application season again for the Keagy/Town and Rural Committee. If you are a small town or rural congregation in need of financial assistance for ministry opportunities, we encourage you to apply for a Keagy/Town and Rural Committee grant. If your ministry is in need of minor funding ($300-$500) be sure to apply to the PACK application. If you have a more expensive ministry in mind ($500-$3,000,) then the Keagy application is the one you need. Applications must be completed online by March 15.

Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips U.S.-based United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, anti-racism, community organizing, and project planning. Spring classes are from March 18 - April 2 online (application deadline March 1). Summer classes are July 18 - August 11 online (application deadline June 30). Find out more information here.

Click here for a list of books on games that can be mailed to your church or home address.

Go to igrc.org/umrc to access the online catalog.

Questions, comments? Contact UMRC Director Jill Stone at umrc@igrc.org.

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