Essential Actions and Updates for Jan 26, 2021

January 26, 2021 | COVID-19, Essential Actions

Dear GNJ Leaders and our congregations,

Thank you to all who took part in Friday’s Special Annual Conference Session. We are grateful for your engagement and your valuable input and contributions. The following are essential actions and information for this week.

1. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Pastors, Treasurers and Finance Chairperson  
The new funding of $284 billion expands on the original PPP goals of providing loans to churches for payroll and other costs. Sixty percent of the loan must be used for payroll expenses. It is important to note that 100% of your loan will be forgiven if you follow guidelines so we encourage our churches to act quickly in applying for the additional funding by contacting their local bank. These funds helped more than 65% of our congregations last year. There were only a few rare instances when a church applied and did not receive funding. More details, including FAQs, can be found here. If you have questions after contacting your bank regarding this new relief program, send questions to caresact@gnjumc.org.

2. Special Annual Conference Session – All Clergy and Lay Members to the Annual Conference
The revised consolidated budget of $24,880,133 in income and $24,849,672 in expenses passed in a vote of 324-166. With the revised budget, GNJ will move forward with funding a comprehensive mission to develop transformational leaders, make disciples, grow vital congregations and engage in local and global transforming mission. It also begins rebuilding reserves and $1.5 million to assist congregations financially to meet the full billings over five years. To see the updated legislation with the addition of amendments that were accepted during the session as well as new FAQs visit here. GNJ will continue to provide details to the Conference as they become available leading up to the 2021 May Annual Conference when a full report will be shared.

3. Year-End Statistical Reports – Pastors, Treasurers and Finance Chairperson  
This Sunday, Jan. 31 is the last day when all pastors of local churches can submit a year-end statistical report. A PowerPoint presentation and a recorded Zoom session can be found here. To complete your report, log into http://ezra.gcfa.org, using username: 3360_ _ _ _ (4-Digit Church Number) and password: gnjchurch20. If you have questions or need help, please contact your Regional Administrative Assistant.

4. 2021 May Annual Conference – All Clergy and Lay Members to the Annual Conference
All committees, boards and agencies are expected to submit an annual report for inclusion in the pre-conference journal. These reports as well as any legislative recommendations for the session are due Feb. 15. For details, please visit here.

In Christ,

GNJ Leadership

Quick links to information in this email:
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Special Annual Conference Session
Year-End Statistical Reports
2021 May Annual Conference