Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries Institute, Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, Georgia, July 20-25, 2008

Sponsored by General Council on Finance and Administration of The United Methodist Church, Nashville, Tennessee

Who should attend?
United Methodist Church Secretaries, Administrative Assistants, General Agency Office Personnel, Episcopal, District and Annual Conference Office Personnel

Why should you attend?
The Institute provides outstanding advanced professional training and enrichment for United Methodist church secretaries from across the denomination. A participant who completes the program and meets the requirements set forth by the General Council on Finance and Administration is eligible to apply for certification as a Professional United Methodist Church Secretary.

How does the church benefit?
The five-day PAUMCS Institute is designed to stimulate professional growth and development of the individual. Participants are introduced to business concepts required for understanding the financial operations of the church as well as relationships with the pastor, church employees and members of the congregation. Studying such concepts with professors selected from a strong business school faculty and other experts encourages secretaries to become better informed and more effective church administrators.

How do other church offices benefit?
The experience of learning with local church secretaries and networking with others in similar office settings provides a broader understanding of the connectional United Methodist Church. Church secretaries learn the functions of district, conference, agency and episcopal offices, while these various office personnel learn about the many responsibilities of a local church secretary. It is a place to see how all members of the church body are in ministry together.

PAUMCS INSTITUTE PROGRAM
July 20 - 25, 2008
.Registration
PAUMCS Certification Orientation
Welcome Dinner
.Understanding Personality (MBTI Assessment), Intro to Group Projects
Taxes and the Church
.Ethics & Confidentiality
Conflict Resolution
.Polity of the Church
Church Diversity
Free Afternoon
.Dollars and Cents of
Office Management
Working Effectively in Groups and Teams
Class Photograph
Graduation Dinner
.Small Group Presentations of Special Projects
Program Wrap-up


PAUMCS Institute Certification Program
Office of Church Ministries Education
Candler School of Theology
Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Why become certified?
Legislation was officially adopted by the 1988 General Conference as follows: "The General Council on Finance and Administration shall have the authority and responsibility to provide guidance and consultation for continuing education of church secretaries, including establishment of training and certification programs, and to provide assistance to the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries." (2004 Book of Discipline, ¶ 807.19)

Certification recognizes your accomplishment of successfully completing professional training at an established school of business. It enhances your position as a true professional and stimulates the need for continuing education to augment your ministry in the church.

CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITY
Upon successful completion of the Institute, GCFA staff rep. to PAUMCS will review your application. Following approval, you will be recommended for certification at the GCFA Annual Meeting.

Note: Membership in National PAUMCS req.
Request a membership brochure from:
Cynthia Haralson
Staff Rep. to PAUMCS
GCFA, PO Box 340029
Nashville, TN 37203-0029
( 866-367-4232 x2386 (toll free)
615-369-2374
paumcs@gcfa.org

Class size is limited to 30 participants. Registrations will be honored in the order in which they are received.

PROGRAM FORMAT
The Program begins Sunday, July 20, 2008 with check-in from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and orientation at 5:00 p.m. program ends approximately at 12:00 Noon on Friday, July 25, 2008. Please do not make plane reservations before 2 p.m. on Friday.

What will it cost?
Registration fee for the 2008 Institute is $300.00*. This includes course materials, a couple of lunches and dinners, and refreshments. Travel, room, additional meals and any other incidentals are the responsibility of each participant.

The registration fee for the Institute may be paid by personal check, money order or church check Payable to GCFA and mailed to the address on this brochure. Registration fee scholarships for the Institute are available on a limited basis by written request.

Where will I stay?
Arrangements have been made with Emory University for air-conditioned dormitory rooms at $38.00* for singles, per day and $30.00* per person for doubles per day. If you plan to stay in the dormitory.

An appealing aspect of the Institute is the opportunity for participants to interact with colleagues from churches across the denomination. The sharing of ideas is a valuable complement to the course material. Staying in Emory dormitory rooms promotes camaraderie and friendships.

Hotels are available as an option to contact on your own. When staying in a hotel there will be a $15 commuter charge for the week by Emory.

COMMENTS FROM THE 2007 INSTITUTE GRADUATES:
“I truly enjoyed myself this week. I have gained a wealth of knowledge and a bunch of new friends.”
Miriam Champion, North Georgia Cnf/Cascade UMC

“Was an experience that every office administration should be required to take.”
Mr. Tanard Hill, Baltimore-Washington Cnf/Asbury UMC

“The relationships I’ve built are beyond price. I thought all presenters were knowledgeable and engaging. I would heartily recommend the PAUMCS Certification Institutes to any person in the related fields of serving the United Methodist Church”.
Gail Kendall, California-Pacific Cnf/Episcopal Office

“A great beginning to becoming better leaders. The classes were overall informative, insightful, and fun.”
Priscilla Wright, Texas Cnf/West District Office

*Fees & Rates are as of October 2007