2025 Virtual Tax Seminars for Clergy and Church Finance Leaders
This year’s tax seminar will be VIRTUAL, hosted by the Texas United Methodist
Foundation. Register by Feb. 9 or register for both for savings!
Church Finance & Legal Update Session
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
12-4 p.m. CST
Credit: Four Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit hours
Speaker: Elaine Sommerville, CPA (Sommerville & Associates)
Cost: $60 Objectives: This session will help you gain specific knowledge about relevant changes to current tax laws and learn more about the basics of general church finance, including how to handle unique issues related to church employees and contractors, reimbursement plans, charitable gifts, tax-deductible contributions, expense reimbursement, financial records, and reporting.
Clergy Tax Session
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
9:00am – 11:00am CST
Credit: Two Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit hours
Speaker: Sandra Fowler, CPA, CPP (Sommerville & Associates)
Cost: $30 Objectives: This session will help you gain specific knowledge about relevant changes to current tax laws and learn about payroll issues related to ministers, such as employment status, housing allowances, reimbursable expenses, tax-free benefits, and retirement plans.
WINTER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY!
REGISTER HERE! Reaching Out, Welcoming In: Strategies for a Connected Church in the Digital Age
When: Saturday, February 15: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL or virtual via Zoom
Cost: $20 per person, in-person (includes lunch); $10 per person virtual via Zoom
Workshops:
• Strategies for a Connected Church in the Digital Age – Lauren V. Davis and Rev. Christian Coon
• Lauren, a seasoned expert in digital strategy and community engagement, will guide you
through practical, real-world strategies to enhance your church’s online presence, offering tips
that go beyond the buzzwords to actionable insights you can implement immediately.
• What You’ll Learn:
• Understanding the shifting dynamics of community engagement in the digital age
• Techniques for leveraging social media, email campaigns, and websites to deepen community ties
• Crafting content that resonates and inspires action among your churchgoers and broader community
• Tools and platforms that can make your organization more visible and approachable
• Making Good First Impressions: Your Church’s Website – Rev. Chris Walters
• Learn how your church’s website can make good first impressions and create engagement for
visitors.
• It’s About Them: Guest-Centered Invitation to Ministry and Community – Rev. Scott Carlson
• Explore how to craft guest-centered invitations that foster meaningful connections and encourage
ministry involvement.
• Value-Based Ministry: Making Ministry Decisions Based on Ministry Values, Not Just the Financial Bottomline – Rev. Jason Mahnke
• Delve into strategies for aligning ministry decisions with core values to ensure impactful and
mission-driven outcomes.
Mark your calendars, and get ready to join us for a transformative day of learning and fellowship!
Questions? Reach out to Jason Mahnke at jason@wumf.org
Hosted and sponsored by Midwest Methodist Foundation, Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation, and
the UMC Conferences of Northern Illinois and Wisconsin