Are you using all the benefits available to you through the UM connection?
Everyone knows the obvious benefits of a connectional system like that in the United Methodist Church. Clergy and congregations are not alone: they can pool and share resources like employment benefits, camps, and disaster relief.
United Methodist clergy connect through mentorship, training, and more. Apportionments ensure that all areas of ministry are supported.
The connectional system ensures churches and pastors are well-matched, and that the needs of everyone are met in the most beneficial way possible.
Congregations are able to come together for conferences, events, retreats, and more.
What you may not be aware of are the many additional benefits that come with the United Methodist connection. We’ve found a few to share.
Car Rental Discounts
United Methodist churches are offered rental car discounts through Avis and Budget rental car plans. This discount allows for both business and leisure rentals. Learn more here.
Awards, Scholarships, and Grants
Grant funding is available through the United Methodist Foundation, the Oklahoma Methodist Foundation, the Woodworth Trust, and several other entities. Scholarships for college and seminary students are also available through multiple sources. Learn more here
Safety Resources
For families and church congregations alike, safety is a major priority in the United Methodist Church. From keeping children safe in the digital world to Safe Sanctuaries and church van use, click here for useful resources.
Church Marketing Resources
United Methodist Communications employs a staff dedicated to creating relevant, useful tools for local churches to use to promote awareness and share the good news of the church. For #BeUMC resources - and more click here
Outreach and Social Media Resources
Outreach.com partners with United Methodist Communications to bring discounted resources to your church. Additionally, UM Communications creates free shareable social media resources your church should be using today. Learn more here.
Podcasts and Webinars
From Pastoring in the Digital Age to MyCom, United Methodist podcasts bring resources to you in your current context. Check them out here.
Webinars offer training on a variety of topics. The current focus is on digital marketing, with offerings on email marketing, social media, and YouTube. Find more here.
Website Design
A necessary tool for every church is a website. UM Communications provides services to help churches get their website up and running, and will also offer training so staff or volunteers can maintain the website and keep it fresh. Learn more here.
Find-a-Church
Find a Church is a free resource that every church, whether it has a fabulous website or no website at all, should take advantage of.
UM Communications uses its vast resources and SEO savvy to ensure web search results find this sweet spot in every corner of the world.
Church representatives will create a login and then fill in all the blanks to ensure the word is out about the church. Find out more here.
The Source
This bi-weekly newsletter from ResourceUMC offers timely content to clergy and laity. Current offerings Many of the resources described in this article can be found via this newsletter. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a thing.
Oklahoma Federal Credit Union
Conference staff and family members have traditionally had access to Oklahoma Federal Credit Union. Now members of churches can also join. For more information, click here.