BOP will host webinar on upcoming medical dues changes

From Clark Simmons, Board of Pensions Regional Representative
Greetings!
I’d like to invite you, as a leader of the Church, to join us for an opportunity to learn more about the recently announced recommendation for a change to the dues structure for the Traditional Program of the Medical Plan of the PC(USA), administered by the Board of Pensions. I know you are hard at work this Advent season, but I ask that you take a moment out of your busy schedule to register for this important event.
Pat Haines, Senior Vice President of Benefits for the Board of Pensions, and I will host a webinar on the topic on January 10, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET. I encourage you to register now — and no later than December 31, 2012 — and to mark your calendar to join Pat and me for this live, one-hour event.
Topics will include:

• Why is a change to the structure of medical dues being recommended?
- The status of Benefits Plan funding
- Trends: medical costs, plan member demographics, church demographics

• What were the key considerations to the recommended approach?
- Current structure of Medical Plan dues
- Alternative funding approaches considered
- Rationale for the recommended approach

• How may a change to the medical dues structure (if approved) affect the Church?
- Details of the recommendation
- How the recommended approach may benefit the Church, employing organizations, and members
- Next steps

• Questions and answers
The recommended approach for medical dues for the Traditional Program was made on October 27, 2012, by the Chair of the Healthcare Committee to the full Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions. The proposal will be put to a vote at the next meeting of the Board of Directors in Philadelphia in March 2013. If approved, the new dues structure for the Traditional Program would take effect January 1, 2014.

Remember to sign up by clicking “register,” above. I look forward to your joining us!

Regards,
Clark Simmons
Regional Representative

Church treasurers and business administrators can submit salary changes online through Benefits Connect

From the Board of Pensions Benefits Connect Tip:

Church treasurers and business administrators* can use Benefits Connect to securely submit, confirm, and change their members’ salary information. They can also submit service changes and terminations, review invoices from the past six months, and review their organizations’ contact information. 

To register as an organization’s authorized Web representative, church treasurers and business administrators must select that role in step 1 of the registration process and then complete the rest of the registration information, including establishing a user ID and password.

*Churches and employing organizations whose billing address is in the United States and are currently receiving a monthly invoice from the Board can have one authorized Web representative.

Moving Into Advent

During this busy time of year, we are focused on taking care of our members, making sure that the children’s pageant costumes are ready, that we have enough candles for Christmas Eve, and that the budgets are in place for 2013.

Yet, we need to make sure that we take care of our own needs. As workers in a church entity, we are so focused on serving others that we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves.

We need to make sure that we have the spiritual support, educational materials and fellowship of other church workers. The best place to do that is by joining the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church USA.

For an annual membership fee of just $75 and approximately $500 for the Florida Region conference, we are assured to have the support, materials and fellowship we need to serve our entities in the best manner that we can.

If you would like more information about how this association can benefit you and your church entity, contact the Florida Region President, Allyson Criminger, at allyson@staugpres.org or call her at 904-733-8277.

Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Nancy Fine
Florida Region
Membership Chair and President-Elect

Hurricane Sandy Update

The entire east coast of Florida is under a Tropical Storm Warning or Watch (see below). As we have learned from TS Debby, Isaac, and other storms much damage can be done from tropical storm force winds, wave action, rain and flooding.
East coast churches should monitor this storm and determine when to activate their disaster plans. Detailed information can be found at:
www.spaghettimodels.com/
www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Current Situation:
At 5am EDT Thursday, Hurricane Sandy was located approximately 439 miles southeast of Miami, Florida. Movement is to the north at 18 mph. This motion is expected to continue today, but a slight turn to the north-northwest and a slower forward movement has been forecast by nearly every computer model to occur tonight into Friday. A turn back to the north and northeast is expected to occur Friday night or Saturday. Maximum sustained winds are 105 mph, Category 2 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the east coast of Florida from Ocean Reef to Flagler Beach (Volusia County through Miami-Dade County) and for Lake Okeechobee. A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for the Florida east coast from Flagler Beach north to Fernandina Beach (Flagler through Nassau Counties), and for the Upper Florida Keys from Ocean Reef to Craig Key.

State Actions:
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) activated to a Level 2 (Partial) Activation at 5:30 PM EDT Wednesday evening. Operating hours are from 8 AM EDT - 6 PM EDT, with Operations Section and Planning Section staff.
At the present time, Emergency Support Functions are requested to stand by.
"Sandy" database has been established in EM Constellation for tracking resources and information.

May 2013 Conference in Jacksonville, Beach

As we gear up for the May 2013 Regional Conference in Jacksonville Beach, you may want to Like the Visit Jacksonville Facebook page to see what we do around here. It really is a beautiful city and I'm hoping you'll all enjoy your stay here.

Florida Team Attends National APA Conference

Eight members of the Florida Region attended the Administrative Personnel Association National Conference in San Antonio, TX, September 12-16. At the conclusion of the National Conference, two of our members received their Level 1 Certification (Kerri Nichols, Synod of South Atlantic, and Valerie Marlow, First Presbyterian of Marianna) as a  Certified Church Administrator. Achieved in a little over a year, this could be YOU or your Admin staff in 2014. 

A Few Reasons to Join APA: 

• EDUCATION on the History of the PC(USA), the Constitution of the PC(USA), General Assembly, Theology, and additionally, coursework in office software, web design, minute-taking, facilities-management, bookkeeping, stewardship, etc. 
• Fellowship & Connectionalism in the Church
• Personal Growth
• Spiritual Growth
• Professional Growth

Who Can Join?

• Secretaries
• Office Administrators/Managers
• Administrative Assistants
• Financial Staff
• Receptionists/Clerks
• Day Care Staff
• Volunteers

What Does it Cost to Join?
Membership dues are $75 annually. Conference fees vary by location, but a Florida Regional conference can be budgeted for less than $500. SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE

Where Do I Find Out More?
Visit the Florida APA Website at www.floridaapa.org.

 

Thursday in San Antonio

We had a great day in San Antonio. With the exception of a rain drizzle, the weather was perfect. It was hot, but not like our humidly Florida hot. I tell you what, may hair looks fantastic in Texas. 


Our National President, Freda Dye, chose to call the Executive Committee meeting to order in true Texas fashion. We don't need gavels around here. This is Texas!

Worship was led and Communion offered by Rev. Dr. Cynthia Logan (our conference Chaplain) and Rev. Dr. Richard Powell. Linda Rogers presented the Lord's Prayer in a beautiful version with song and sign. The offering collected was presented to "Haven for Hope."

Classes offered today were Spiritual Growth, Essentials of Budgeting, Polity III, and Directory for Worship. 

Later in the afternoon, we had a President's Reception to see could dress the most Texan. I saw lots of boots and cowboy hats, but you'll have to stay tuned on the winner. 

The Florida Team gathered for dinner and a night on the town. There was some confusion, getting lost, taking the wrong trolleys, but we ate and laughed the entire time. Stay tuned for stories and pictures from that outing. 

Love,
Ally

Florida Team Heads to San Antonio

Greetings Florida APA. Tomorrow and Wednesday, a handful of Florida APA members will be traveling to San Antonio, TX for the annual National Conference of the Administrative Personnel Association of the PC(USA). From the Florida Team, we have:

Rosanna Balzano
Valerie Marlow
Marilyn Mittelstadt
Yolanda Bengo (FL Treasurer)
Debbie Burleigh (FL Certification co-Chair)
Allyson Criminger (FL President & Communications Chair)
Nancy Fine (FL Membership Chair & President-Elect)
Kerri Nichols (FL Secretary and Nominating Committee)

We look forward to this time of learning and spiritual fellowship with all APA regions in beautiful San Antonio.

I'll keep you posted on business items as they progress.

Please pray for safe travels for your Florida Team and all of APA.

Peace,
Allyson Criminger
President & Communications Chair

Fresh and Prevailing Leaders

Today’s churches need up-to-date, fresh and prevailing leaders to guide them through the many facets of church administration.  The Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA) can provide you with the resources and tools to be the best you can be for your church. Established in 1976, the APA is a professional organization created for the purpose of providing a supportive association that promotes continuing education, individual growth, communication, and fellowship for its members.  It is a group that strengthens lives both spiritually and professionally. APA members have the opportunity to become certified in Church Administration at three levels.  Courses are offered at regional conferences and at an annual national conference.  This year's national conference is in San Antonio from September 12th through September 16th.  The deadline to register is tomorrow, August 10th! The core of the APA is this certification program which allows members to gain expertise in all fields associated with their position(s) within the Presbyterian Church (USA). For more information about joining the APA, visit the Florida Region website or contact  Allyson Criminger, Florida Region President, at 904-733-8277. Nancy Fine Membership Chair and President-Elect Florida Region of the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Why is APA a Good Fit for Your Staff?

Personnel Committee members search for the right person to do the job required.  Whether it is a financial person, website administrator, secretary or office administrator, there are skills unique to each position.  But what happens after the position is filled?

            Are you providing the necessary continuing education to keep your staff members up-to-date with the latest information?  Are they familiar with the Book of Order and how it applies to your church?  Do they know how the latest marketing trends affect attendance?  Is your website targeting the right people to grow your church?

            By having your staff join the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA), they will keep current with the latest denomination issues, marketing trends and administrative skills needed to help your church thrive and grow.  For an annual $75 membership fee, they will have a network of individuals to help them succeed.  And for approximately $500, they can attend a conference and take classes to enhance their skills.  Skills that you know they possess and skills that they want to enhance.

            Visit the Florida Region’s website (www.floridaapa.org) and see why so many PCUSA staff members are excited about the association.  Take some time to review all of the classes offered through the APA and see how they will benefit your staff and your church.  And, most importantly, take a few minutes to see why the APA is a good fit for your staff.

            For more information, contact Allyson Criminger, President of the Florida Region, at 904-733-8277 or acriminger.apunte@staugpres.org. 

Nancy Fine

President-Elect and Membership Chair

Florida Region of the APA

Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

From Kathy Broyard, Statewide Disaster Coordinator for FLAPDAN - Summer 2012

Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby brought much needed rain to Florida, but the unjust consequences are overwhelming. Eight people lost their lives. 304 people were rescued. 32 counties have received a federal disaster declaration. The American Red Cross sheltered 1186 people. The Salvation Army and Red Cross provided over 130,480 meals and snacks. As of a July 10th report, 73 homes were destroyed, 303 had major damage, 608 had minor damage, 1255 were affected and 2162 homes were still inaccessible and could not be evaluated. Disaster Recovery Centers were opened in 14 counties to assist these clients with temporary housing assistance, filing claims, answering questions and providing crisis counseling.

Ephesus, "…making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3) was the continuing opening prayer during General Assembly

The 220th General Assembly adjourned on July 7. Some of the "hot issues" have hit the secular media. Check out the highlights from this year's Assembly

From the Membership Chair

The secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, bookkeepers and business administrators are the unsung heroes of the Presbyterian Church (USA). They keep the church and church-related offices of the denomination running.

Their jobs are far more complicated than we give them credit for. With rapidly changing technology, changes within the denomination and the Book of Order, Presbyterian office workers are in need of a network of support and continuing education.

The Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is an organization that knits together the denomination’s office workers. Through regional and national conferences, they gain the knowledge needed to keep church offices running.

Membership dues are just $75 and the cost to attend a conference is approximately $500. The National Conference is in San Antonio from September 12th through September 16th. Aren’t the unsung heroes in your office worth that small expense?

For more information about joining the APA, visit the Florida Region website (www.floridaapa.org) or contact Allyson Criminger, President, at 904-733-8277.

Nancy Fine
President-Elect and Membership Chair, Florida Region of the APA

Certification in Church Administration

Today’s churches need up-to-date, fresh and prevailing leaders to guide them through the many facets of church administration.  The Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA) can provide your staff with the resources and tools to be the best they can be for your church.

Established in 1976, the APA is a professional organization created for the purpose of providing a supportive association that promotes continuing education, individual growth, communication, and fellowship for its members.  It is a group that strengthens lives both spiritually and professionally.

APA members have the opportunity to become certified in Church Administration at three levels.  The core of the APA is this certification program which allows members to gain expertise in all fields associated with their position(s) within the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Courses are offered at regional conferences and at an annual national conference.  The 2012 National Conference will be held in San Antonio, Texas from September 13^th through 15^th.  More information about the conference can be found on the Florida Region’s website.

For more information about joining the APA, visit the Florida Region website (www.floridaapa.org) or contact Allyson Criminger, President, at 904-733-8277.

Nancy Fine

Membership Chair, Florida Region of the APA

Let's Get Certified

May is a month when programming winds down and we find that we have more time to focus on our ministry to Christ's Kingdom.  As the snowbirds depart for their northern homes, we find ourselves catching up on those tasks that pile up prior to Easter. This is a great time to join the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and begin taking online classes towards becoming certified in Church Administration.  Up to ten hours of online professional seminar credits can be taken per level.  Information about membership and certification can be found on the Florida Region website. The Mission of the APA is to offer opportunities for professional development and personal growth for those called by God to serve as support staff of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  This is accomplished by providing continuing education events for certification and occasions for fellowship, worship and spiritual nurture and prayer at both National and Regional meetings as well as seminary sponsored training events. Led by ministers and experts in their fields, the Administrative Personnel Association gives us an exceptional value by combining career and spiritual development into one cost-effective event, the 2012 National APA Conference in San Antonio from September 12th through September 16th. For more information about joining the APA and attending the conference, visit the Florida Region website or contact Barbara Prieto, Florida Region President, at 305-666-8586. Nancy Fine Membership Chair Florida Region of the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Your Ministry

We just celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and were awed by the power of His Church.  This is a busy of time of year for church staff and we sometimes forget to take the time to remember what our ministry means to all of God's children. As a member of the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we find that we are spiritually nurtured through the fellowship of other APA members.  Through the support system of other lay church professionals, we have a network of professional and spiritual support to help us to be more efficient and effective in our ministry to our organizations. Through educational and certification opportunities offered at APA conferences, we gain a deeper sense of commitment and truly feel the call of working for a PCUSA church or governing body. When our professional life becomes overwhelming, there is a network of other lay personnel to help us find our way through the deluge of expectations. Classes offered at this year's Florida Region Conference include Office Administration I, Interim Ministry, Pastoral Care for Self and Others, Church History, Polity III, Book of Confessions and Presenting Your Church/Organization to the Public: Marketing.  Join us in Sarasota from May 16th through May 20th and see how being a member of this association can benefit you and your church organization. The deadline to register is April 26, 2012.   I encourage you to become a member of the APA.  Information about the certification program can be found on the Florida Region website.  Or contact Barbara Prieto, Florida Region President, at 305-666-8586. Nancy Fine Membership Chair Florida Region of the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Certification Chair Now Certified!

Debbie Burleigh, Certification Chair of the Administrative Personnel Association of the PCUSA Florida Region, completed her Level III certification in Church Administration at the National Conference in Las Vegas in November 2011. She was recognized at the Central Florida Presbytery's recent Stated Meeting. In the picture, Debbie (right) is with Joyce Bauer (retired), founder of the APA. Way to go, Debbie!

Full Article and Newsletter

Managing Your Church: The Top 7 Paid Positions at Churches

Managing Your Church: The Top 7 Paid Positions at Churches

Comparison chart of the previous Form of Government to the current Foundations and Form of Government

I'm sure all of you have read the new 2011/2013 Book of Order by now, right? Well, if you're like me, that's a big NOT, and somewhere on my long to-do list, or possible for a night of insomnia. 

But lucky for us the PCUSA has published a comparison chart of the previous Form of Government and the new one. You can download it from their site at http://www.pcusa.org/resource/comparison-chart-former-form-government-new-founda/.

Have a great weekends, Friends!

Allyson Criminger

President-Elect and Communications Chair

Florida Region APA

A Note from the Membership Chair

What will your administrative staff be doing from May 16 to May 20, 2012?  Will they be working in the office doing their weekly tasks or will they be joining other administrative personnel at this year’s Florida Region Administrative Personnel Association Conference in Sarasota?

This year’s conference offers a great opportunity for your staff to grow in their professional and spiritual life.  Led by clergy and other professionals, the knowledge gained by their attendance will enhance their ability to more effectively allow them to serve their respective organization.

Encourage your lay staff to join the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Membership forms can be found on the Florida Region’s website, www.floridaapa.org.  While there, make sure to download the registration form for the 2012 Florida Region Conference.  For a small investment in your administrative staff, they will return from the conference with the knowledge and spiritual wellbeing to be more effective in their jobs.

Show your administrative staff that they are a valuable asset to you and your congregation.  Make sure to let them know that you are willing to invest in them by paying their membership dues ($75) and conference expenses (approximately $500).  For a small investment in them, you will gain a happier and loyal staff member who knows that they are valued.

If you want to know how the APA can benefit your organization, contact Barbara Prieto, Florida Region President, at 305-666-8566 or rivierachurch@bellsouth.net. 

Nancy Fine

Membership Chair, Florida Region of the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

www.floridaapa.org