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Body Builders
March 31, 2020
Mid-American Baptist Churches strive to "work together to build up the body of Christ."
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Dear <<First Name>>,
Thank you FBC Greater Des Moines for sharing this!
This was shared from FBC Greater Des Moines Facebook Page!
**April 2 (Thu) 11:00am Zoom Call for MABC Pastors with Jackie simply to check in with one another.
Topic: MDBC Pastors Meeting
Time: Apr 2, 2020 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting click here https://zoom.us/j/666421308
or Join by phone (312) 626-6799
Helpful Links For the Living of These Days:
Mid-American Facebook page - Meditations for 03/23/2020 and 03/29/2020 - Thank you to Rev. Gary and Brenda Martin!
How the Coronavirus Relief Bills Benefit Churches and Other Nonprofits
Supporting Churches, Pastors, and Regions: A Letter from the ABCUSA Acting General Secretary
American Baptists Taking Action – Coronavirus and Our Community
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
Information on how MMBB is ready to help pastors and churches
Senate Bill's Affect on Churches, Schools, Nonprofits & Small Businesses
How to make pastoral visits at a social distance
American Baptist Home Mission Societies offers guidance, litany, prayer for congregational response to COVID-19
How to use Zoom - Beginner Guide
Pastoral Resources for a Time like This
National Insurance Program Created to benefit ABCUSA Churches
Wondering how to live stream your service on Facebook this Sunday?
CARES Act: Payroll Protection Plan
March 27, 2020 the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was approved. The bill allows for up to a 100% reimbursement of funds for those non-profits and churches that retain 100% of their employees through the economic crisis. Loan funds can be used to cover a variety of expenses including compensation and benefits. Loan applications would be processed through local banks for the program that is being administered by the Small Business Administration. This program is separate from the Small Business Administration Disaster Relief Fund. Also includes, medical benefits, etc. utilities, and lease payments.
The Vanderbloemen Company also has helpful and up to date information on the CARES Act https://www.vanderbloemen.com/blog/details-of-care-act
Here is a link to the bill:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548/text#toc-id40c30dd4a08343e7b83eefd391b45c4e
(1) IN GENERAL.—The amount of loan forgiveness under this section for an eligible recipient is---
(A) the total payroll costs incurred by the eligible recipient during the covered period; and
(B) the amount of payments made during the covered period on debt obligations that were incurred before the covered period.
(2) REDUCTION BASED ON REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES.—
(A) IN GENERAL.—The amount of loan forgiveness under this section shall be reduced by the percentage equal to the difference obtained by subtracting—
(i) the quotient obtained by dividing—
(I) the average number of full-time equivalent employees per month employed by the eligible recipient during the covered period; by
(II) (aa) the average number of full time equivalent employees per month employed by the eligible recipient during the period beginning on March 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2019; or
(bb) in the case of an eligible recipient that is seasonal employer, as determined by the Administrator, the average number of full-time equivalent employees per month employed by the eligible recipient during the period beginning on March 1, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2019
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Injoy Stewardship has produced an excellent webinar on the CARES Act legislation. It is very well done and explores a large number of things including the guidance for charitable giving from the tax free stimulus check individuals/families will be receiving to the forgivable payroll loan available to churches and non profits. |
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MMBB Premiums
Ordained pastoral leaders, whose employers who cannot afford to continue their premiums during this time, will be placed on temporary continuance of $10/month premium for a period of up to 2 years. The key objective is to keep intact important life insurance and disability protections for members of the Comprehensive Plan.
This involves a reduction in compensation to fix the premium to the lowest level while maintaining important life and disability benefits for the member. This could be extended to those pastoral leaders who are forced to leave their churches or whose church is forced to close.
During the period of continuance, MMBB would pay the $10/month premium on behalf of the employer from its Non-Contractual Benefits Fund.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Given the extraordinary and unique nature in which financial assistance requests are coming to MMBB considering the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for MMBB to develop an equitable approach to administering financial assistance to those in need. In addition, it is also equally important to determine the magnitude of such requests.
Emergency financial assistance is meant to relieve personal, short-term financial crises and to augment continued financial solvency of pastoral leaders in the event of loss of employment or extended financial difficulty experienced by the church or employer. This policy is developed with the understanding that recipients of financial assistance would engage in financial wellness counseling through MMBB.
This policy continues with the current guidelines for Emergency Assistance. While all members are eligible for assistance, focus would be placed on assisting those in pastoral leadership and those who are most likely to suffer income loss during this crisis. Requests would be made on a one-time basis rather than spread over a period for expedition and ease of administration. Using current thresholds, assistance would be limited to $3,500 (or $4,000 in extreme circumstances) per request. Due to the limited non-contractual budget, the limits are set based on the reality that the fund must be shared amongst a variety of needs.
Member confidentiality will be maintained in the administration of benefits.
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Additional Portions of the CARES Act - Pertinent to the Clergy Community and
Their Churches |
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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is a $2 trillion legislative package that was enacted on Friday, March 27, 2020. Below are provisions that could assist the clergy community:
Subtitle B – Rebates and Other Individual Provisions
Section 2201. 2020 Recovery Rebates for Individuals
All U.S. residents with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 married), who are not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a work eligible social security number, are eligible for the full $1,200 ($2,400 married) rebate. In addition, they are eligible for an additional $500 per qualifying child under the age of 17. This is true even for those who have no income, as well as those whose income comes entirely from non-taxable means-tested benefit programs, such as SSI benefits.
For most Americans, no action on their part will be required in order to receive a rebate check as IRS will use a taxpayer’s 2019 tax return if filed, or in the alternative their 2018 return. This includes many low-income individuals who file a tax return in order to take advantage of the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. The rebate amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 that a taxpayer’s income exceeds the phase-out threshold. The amount is completely phased-out for single filers with incomes exceeding $99,000, $146,500 for head of household filers with one child, and $198,000 for joint filers with no children.
Section 2202. Special rules for use of retirement funds
Consistent with previous disaster-related relief, the provision waives the 10-percent early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 from qualified retirement accounts for coronavirus-related purposes made on or after January 1, 2020. In addition, income attributable to such distributions would be subject to tax over three years, and the taxpayer may recontribute the funds to an eligible retirement plan within three years without regard to that year’s cap on contributions. Further, the provision provides flexibility for loans from certain retirement plans for coronavirus-related relief.
Please note that while the 10-percent early withdrawal penalty for distributions up to $100,000 from qualified retirement accounts is waived, it does not waive income tax on such distributions.
A coronavirus-related distribution is one made to an individual: (1) who is diagnosed with COVID-19, (2) whose spouse or dependent is diagnosed with COVID-19, or (3) who experiences adverse financial consequences as a result of being quarantined, furloughed, laid off, having work hours reduced, being unable to work due to lack of child care due to COVID-19, closing or reducing hours of a business owned or operated by the individual due to COVID-19, or other factors as determined by the Treasury Secretary.
Section 2203. Temporary waiver of required minimum distribution rules for certain retirement plans and accounts
The provision waives the required minimum distribution rules for certain defined contribution plans and IRAs for calendar year 2020. This provision provides relief to individuals who would otherwise be required to withdraw funds from such retirement accounts during the economic slowdown due to COVID-19.
Section 2204. Allowance of partial above the line deduction for charitable contributions
The provision encourages Americans to contribute to churches and charitable organizations in 2020 by permitting them to deduct up to $300 of cash contributions. This provision is for taxpayers who do not itemize, but instead take the standard deduction. This is applicable for tax years beginning after 2019 and does not sunset after 2020. |
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Thank you ABC of Nebraska for the information provided above on the CARES Act the MMBB assistance
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Pastors and Church Leaders - please contact me if you have questions and concerns; I stand ready to help and support however I can. (exec@mid-abc.org - 515-278-1411)
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Please let the Region Office know of additional dates to add and any corrections to the dates listed.
(**) denotes new information to the calendar since the last edition
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please be advised that face to face meetings for the foreseeable future are highly discouraged.
***Please contact the Region Office if you have questions or concerns and we will direct you to the right person in charge of that particular event.
***April 3-4 (Fri-Sat) - ABWM Wellness Weekend @ First Baptist Church on Northland - Cedar Rapids **CANCELLED**
***April 14-19 (Tue-Sun) - Kyle and Debby Witmer - IM Global Servants in the Region -
**Zoom Presentations instead of in-person visits**
***April 17 (Fri) IA West ABWM Spring Rally @ Dayton Oaks**CANCELLED**
***April 18 (Sat) IA East ABWM Spring Rally @ Forest Lake**CANCELLED**
***April 21 (Tue) Together in Ministry SE Iowa around noon @ Riverside Family Restaurant in Fairfield.**CANCELLED**
***April 30- May 2 (Thu-Sat) Quilters Retreat in Oelwein - See updated information below
***May 1-2 (Fri-Sat) A Forest Lake sponsored a spiritual retreat for women **POSTPONED UNTIL SEPT 11-12**
May - November 2020 schedule can be found HERE
The family of Glen E Martin would like to thank those who expressed words of condolence
and sent gifts in memory of Glen. He lived a life of quiet service to his family and church.
-- Rev. Gary Martin Associate Regional Minister, MABC
Mid-American Baptist Women's Ministries - honors Rev. Carol Teare at their March board meeting.
Rev. Carol Teare retired as an Associate Region Minister for MABC effective April 1, 2020.
Please update all of your contact information to reflect the following:
Rev. Carol Teare
1604 Audubon Dr.
Please note that Carol@mid-abc.org will be inactive starting tomorrow - April 1, 2020
The Mid-American Baptist Women Scholarship Application is now available HERE.
Application must be postmarked by MAY 15, 2020.
Special Thanks for our MID-ABC Region Board.
We had our Board Meeting last Saturday via ZOOM.
 
Kyle Witmer's in-person visits with churches and groups within the region
have been cancelled. He would like to set up video meetings with any of the churches and groups
that would like that option. Churches and Groups can keep their same day and time
that was originally scheduled, or groups can choose a different date/time.
Contact Kyle directly to talk about Zoom scheduling, 812-391-8052.
He and his family are on home assignment in Indiana at this time.
Current Schedule:
Tuesday, April 14 - First Baptist Church - Fairfield, Iowa
Wednesday, April 15 - The United Baptist -Presbyterian Church, Mt. Ayr, Iowa
Thursday, April 16th - First Baptist Church - Boone, Iowa
Friday, April 17th - Dayton Oaks Camp - ABW Spring Rally - CANCELLED
Saturday, April 18th - Forest Lake Camp - ABW Spring Rally - CANCELLED
Sunday, April 19th - Woodbury Baptist, Woodbury, MN
The event is still on and the committee is in the process of reassessing the situation.
Further update will be announced in the April 15th edition of the BodyBuilder.
Registration Form is available HERE
Dayton Oaks Camp and Conference Center invites you.....
Join us on Sunday, May 17th at 11am for worship at Dayton Oaks Camp.
Rev. Gary Martin, Associate Region Minister will be leading worship and preaching.
A meal will follow and after the meal
we will participate in a prayer walk with the Keith & Ken Harrison as we pray for the ministries of Dayton Oaks Camp
and the upcoming Summer Camp Season. The prayer walk will begin at 1pm.
Everyone is welcome!
Be aware that this will probably not happen -
I am awaiting confirmation and a possible new date.
"Celebrating Ministering Women: Radical. Redeemed. Ready."
June 16-19, 2020
The Mid-American Baptist Women have reserved a lovely lake home,
Robbins House, to house 14 women during the conference.
There are only 4 beds remaining.
This cost will be $155,00 for the three nights,
payable to Mid-American Baptist Women.
If you wish to reserve a spot in Robbins for the conference,
please contact l.hammar@mchsi.com.
American Baptist Churches USA and American Baptist Women's Ministries (ABWM) are partnering to present a unique conference, Celebrating Ministering Women: Radical. Redeemed. Ready., to be held June 16-19, 2020 at the Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wis.
From the pioneering women of long ago to the trailblazing leaders of today, the movement of women into ministry has involved the whole family of faith from all across ABCUSA. With women serving in a multitude of ways and a variety of roles nationally and internationally, American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) and ABWM are joining together to celebrate ministering women across the United States, Puerto Rico, and around the world.
Held at Green Lake Conference Center where the first Women In Ministry conference took place in 1980, out of which the Women in Ministry Project was birthed, and where American Baptist women have gathered for many years, the conference will feature inspiring speakers, creative worship, engaging workshops, and opportunities to converse and connect.
After the Early Bird registration date of March 1,
the conference attendance registration fee is $199.
A minimum deposit of $150 is due at the time of initial registration.
All remaining registration costs will be due by May 11, 2020.
The registration deadline is May 11, 2020.
On-site registration will not be available.
Register HERE
This event is open to all. At present, it is still on.
Anyone who has interest is welcome to register and attend. Spread the Word!
 
Contemplation is the spring of living water, and action is the stream that flows out from it to others; it is the same water. - Thomas Merton
Rhythms of the Spirit
Do you struggle for balance between prayer and activity?
Do you long for a rhythm of the day that supports your spiritual journey?
More energy for compassion, peace and justice?
This conference, offered in a retreat style, provides a unique opportunity to explore the transformed life and discover contemplative practices that invite us into deeper engagement with the needs of the world.
We'll focus on your own spiritual practice providing time to develop solitude and silence, creating the expansive space necessary to welcome God's voice. If you desire spiritual direction, each conference will provide the opportunity for you to meet one-on-one with a spiritual companion.
July 24 - 25, 2020
First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, Iowa
8250 NW 62nd Ave
Johnston, IA 50131
Aligning your life with the heart-beat of God: Creating a "Rule of Life"
Why should I attend?
What people are saying about Rhythms of the Spirit
Conference Leaders
Register Now
(download, print, complete, mail to the Region Office along with your check)
Registration Fee includes program, leadership and two meals.
$ 35.00 per person
Sponsored by Rev. Jacquline L. Saxon and the American Baptist Churches of Mid-America
We hope you can join us in Des Moines!
 
Don't forget to SAVE THE DATE: We will gather as a family for our Biennial Meeting and celebrate the Region's 50th Anniversary on Friday and Saturday, October 2-3, 2020 in Pella, Iowa at First Baptist Church! Be a part of the celebration!
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