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

BOP Tax Guides for 2011

Tax Webcast and Guides for the 2011 Tax Year Now Available

To help ministers and churches understand the latest tax law changes, the Board of Pensions has released new and updated resources in the Tax Resource Center for members, treasurers and administrators, and mid-councils on Pensions.org:    

• The 2011 “Tax Tips for Ministers and Churches” webcast features the Board’s education specialists, Steven Fleming and Rod Sewell, who provide important information from tax expert Richard R. Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA, specific to ministers and churches. The webcast is prerecorded for easy, 24/7 access. No registration is necessary to view it.
• The Tax Guide for Ministers for 2011 Returns provides recent tax information for active and retired ministers to review when filing their federal income tax returns. It will also be mailed to active and retired ministers in late January.
• The Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches: What You Need To Know in 2012, including tax code changes made at the end of 2011, is designed for church treasurers and business administrators. It contains step-by-step wage reporting and withholding instructions and information about situations specific to filing various federal forms.

The information provided in the above-described resources is not intended as a substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice that you may require while preparing your tax returns.