October
is generally a time when many things happen. Our snowbirds are returning
to fill the pews in our churches. The Florida plants begin their subtle
change from the heat of the summer to the cooler weather of winter. And,
our organizations begin to plan their stewardship campaigns and next year's
budget.
One
important item in that budget is the continuing education line item. But
make sure to not only have them budget for the pastoral staff's continuing
education but also budget for your continuing education. You are a
valuable asset to your organization and you need their support to learn
additional skills that will benefit you, them and your members.
By
investing a small portion of their budget on you, they will gain a large return
on their funds. You, as administrative staff, are eager to learn how to
better serve your organization, be it a church or governing body. You
want to become more efficient and more professional. But, you need the
skills to do so. You want to serve God and all His children and you need
to be spiritually nurtured. You need your organization to be as
supportive of you as you are to them.
Don't
forget to have your church show you what you mean to them. Make sure that
they budget funds for both your membership fee ($75) in the Administrative Personnel Association of the
Presbyterian Church (USA) and continuing education funds (approximately $500)
for you to attend APA conferences in the upcoming budget.
To
find out more about the APA, contact Barbara
Prieto, Florida Region President, at 305-666-8586.
Good idea to make sure we are getting budgeted in. I know so many are getting their cont. ed. budgets reduced or even diminished.
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