This manual provides the membership secretary, church staff, and ministry teams with the information and instructions they need to maintain membership records and nurture individuals through their faith journey. The manual includes a sample of each record sheet and complete instructions on completing each record.

Available in January 2009 Why keep membership records? Unlike many revival leaders, John Wesley established and sustained communities of Christians that were strong enough to grow through the centuries and develop into The United Methodist Church. He understood salvation as a process that requires community, ongoing support and nurture, and accountability in Christian living. Concern for souls, individually and collectively, motivated the careful record keeping that became characteristic of the faith communities now constituting The United Methodist Church. ( Adapted from United Methodist Membership Records Manual, published by The United Methodist Publishing House .) This manual provides the membership secretary, church staff, and ministry teams with the information and instructions they need to maintain membership records and nurture individuals through their faith journey. The record system also helps staff prepare the connectional reports that help us study how our denomination is changing so that we can encourage the ministry of each congregation. The manual includes a sample of each record sheet and complete instructions on completing each record. New Improved CDROM ! The CD-ROM has been revised to improve functionaltiy. Now you can save membership forms such as the Permanent Church Register or the Record of Faith Journey, even rename them, and add additional data as you receive it. On the CD-ROM you will find templates for each type of record sheet (Baptism, Marriage, Permanent Church Register, Constituency, etc.) as well as 8-1/2 x 11 certificates for baptism, confirmation, and professing membership in English, Spanish, and Korean. For a permanent record, print your completed records on acid-free paper, punched to fit the membership record binder (0687084121, package of 50 sheets).

This basic, fully illustrated manual for congregational leaders explains how to prepare the sanctuary and its furnishings for the celebration of worship and sacraments throughout the Christian year. This practical, informative guide is an indispensable companion for worship committees, altar guilds, or individuals whose responsible for these vital tasks in their church. United Methodist Altars includes: care, cleaning, and storage instructions for all vestments and appointments; a calendar of the Christian year, with appropriate colors for each season; responsibilities and suggested organizational structure for the altar guild; an explanation of the history and meaning of worship furnishings; preparation instructions for the various United Methodist services; and, a glossary.

This handbook will assist you in the work of extending Christ's love through the business of receiving, distributing, and report gifts given by God's people for the mission and ministry of the church. You will learn more about the basic financial records and procedures you need to manage funds received by your church. Also included are instructions for good financial control and for using forms developed especially to assist United Methodist congregations. For the Counting Committee How to implement good accounting control for cash and other receipts Step-by-step instructions for counting the offering and preparing the Cast Receipts Voucher and the bank deposit For the Finance Secretary How to initiate and maintain the Quarterly Report of Giving How to prepare for distributing your giving reports For the New Church Treasurer Getting started Creating or updating your Chart of Accounts How to keep Cash Receipts and Cash Disbursement Journals How to prepare your Monthly Treasurer's Report and assist in reporting to the Charge Conference, District Superintendent, and Annual Conference. And More... The appendix provides a model for a more comprehensive recordkeeping approach using a General Ledger and includes instructions for preparing a Balance Sheet and Income & Expense Statement. Available online with purchase of this resource, includes: Searchable PDF of the Handbook. Reproducible masters of helpful tools such as the Counter's Tally Sheet, Remittance Advice Form, and Cash Receipts Voucher Quarterly Report of Giving All other forms mention in resource The United Methodist Financial Records Handbook 2017-2020 was developed by The General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church.

A resource for both newcomers to the United Methodist Church and those who have been members for decades, Our Membership Vows is a wonderful reflection on the vows each member takes upon joining the church. Members make covenant to uphold the vows, and each one is discussed in this easy-to-read booklet. A great gift idea for churches to give to new members.

Guideline 12: If the Results of Previous Studies Are Inconsistent or Widely Varying, Cite Them Separately