Answers to frequently asked questions:



Q: I can't find the Proposed Budget or the monthly Financial Reports

A: First, you must be logged in to view financial data. Click here to login. After you login you can view this information by clicking on 'Financial' in the "Filing Cabinet" found on the Home page.



Q: When and where are the Stated Presbytery Meetings?

A: Presbytery meeting dates


Q: What are the due dates for the Congregational Connection and Presbytery Packet?

A:

Information for the Presbytery Packet is due 3 weeks prior to the meeting. Use the Docket Request form to submit information 

 

Congregational Connection
Due Dates

Worksheet

 Spring Issue - February 1
 (Administration) Distributed at March Presbytery Meeting
Summer Issue: May 1
(Outreach) Distributed at June Presbytery Meeting
Fall Issue: August 1
(Discipleship) Distributed at Sept Presbytery Meeting
Winter Issue: October 1
(Shepherding) Distributed at Nov Presbytery Meeting
  

 


Q: What is the IRS standard mileage rate?

A: Beginning January 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

  • 55 cents per mile for business miles driven;
  • 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations


Q/A: You may have noticed on your shared mission commitment form that an opportunity is given for your church to add an amount of money to be directed to Theological Education Fund. Questions about this can be directed to Rev Nelson Lumm, 269.341.9274, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Q: Why do we need to fund theological seminaries on a denomination-wide basis?

A: One of the continuing strengths of the Presbyterian Church is a competent ministry, well-educated in the Reformed Tradition. Our seminaries provide pastors, educators, missionaries and chaplains for the work of Christ's church. They also offer continuing education programs for those seeking on-going renewal of spirit and competence for ministry. By sharing together in financial support of our theological schools, we affirm our church's historic roots and assure leadership for our church in the years to come.

Q: How does the Theological Education Fund work?

A: Each congregation makes a voluntary contribution of 1% of their local operating budget (all monies expended for current operation of congregations as reported in the General Assembly Minutes, Statistical Reports, Part II, Line 25.) Some churches are not able to begin at a full 1% and adopt more modest goals, such as one-fourth or one-half of 1% and set a goal to increase that percentage each year until full 1% participation is achieved. This gift to the Theological Education Fund is the congregation's proportionate share for the education of present and future ministers and church educators.

Q: How can our congregation afford to participate in the Theological Education Fund (1% Plan) when our budget is already tight?

A: The session proposes the budget, based on priorities set for your congregation's work and witness to the gospel. The congregation can begin with a commitment of less than 1%. Even a small contribution to the TEF is an important investment in the development of future leaders for your congregation and the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Q: Which seminaries are supported by the Theological Education Fund?

A: Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    Columbia Theological Seminary
    University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
    Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    McCormick Theological Seminary
    Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
    Princeton Theological Seminary
    San Francisco Theological Seminary
    Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary
    Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
    Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico

Printer-friendly handout on this fund



Q: What do the "Special Offerings" support?

A: There are four Churchwide special offerings in the calendar year:

Clip Art

Offering Name
(click on the name to get more info)

What it Supports

When

 

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
  • Presbyterian Hunger Program
  • Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
  • Self-Development of People
Palm or
Easter Sunday
Pentecost Offering
  • Children, youth and young adults
  • Worldwide youth ministry and education
  • Evangelism and outreach with youth
  • Youth at risk
 
May
Peacemaking Offering
  • Peacemaking efforts at congregational level
  • Peacemaking efforts at presbytery and synod level
  • Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of the General Assembly
October
Christmas Joy Offering
  • Eight racial ethnic schools
  • PC(USA) Board of Pensions assistance programs
December