Newsletter: august 2026
UMV Pastor’s Retreat Registration Closing
REGISTRATION IS ABOUT TO CLOSE for our Pastor's Retreat on Wednesday, September 9th to Friday the 11th at Ridge Haven's Cono Center in Walker, Iowa! Register on or before August 24th.
We'll start that afternoon on Wednesday and conclude on Friday morning. Thrive Coaching Networks' Jeff Allen and Network Leader Ron Fischer will be leading a time of focusing on Solitude, Silence and Prayer and how this helps us personally and looking deeper at our churches and what is to come.There is no charge to attend. Time with our Lord, good food, fellowship and rest . . .
East Central Cluster Revitalization Mini Conference
East Central Cluster Churches! It is time for the Revitalization Mini Conference and to explore new ways of looking at your communities and your church.This will be a unique approach to a “conference” where the actual conference will present and explore ideas through collaboration and relational interactions.
We welcome Pastor Jeff Allen from Thrive Coaching Network as well as Network Leader Ron Fischer, OT Coordinator Thomas Cellilli and CKT Coordinator Luke Schouten as facilitators of our time.
The mini conference will be in the East Central cluster (ECC)* on Saturday, September 12th from 10am to 3pm at New Life Community Church in Coralville, IA. Consistory member attendance is most important!
The mini conference has NO CHARGE and lunch is provided.
*East Central cluster churches are: North Ridge Eldridge, Cedar Hills Cedar Rapids, New Life Coralville, First Sully and Trinity Pella.
Check out this look at the future of church hiring
What does the future of church hiring look like? It looks nothing like the hiring of the 1980s and not even the early 2000s. There is something coming . . . what will you do with it?
Is your church friendly? What if that isn't enough?
Church Answers tackles another big question . . . what if "Friendly Church" is no longer enough? What if most churches are friendly? What would help you to show who you truly are in the body of Christ?
Update on the Alliance Retirement Plan
Did you know? The Alliance offers a 403(b)(9) retirement plan designed specifically for Alliance pastors and church staff. We are pleased to offer this retirement plan as part of our commitment to caring for those who faithfully serve the Church – helping them prepare for their future financial needs while they invest in ministry today.
We are pleased to announce that CEB Services of Grandville, Michigan will become the new administrator for the Alliance's 403(b)(9) retirement plan later this fall as we transition from Empower to Voya Financial (https://www.voya.com). We have officially begun this transition and are looking forward to the advantages and opportunities this new partnership will bring.
If you or your church currently participate in the Alliance retirement plan, please watch for additional communications we’ll be sending your way. We'll share important details and next steps as well as opportunities to join webinars to make the transition a smooth one. If you are attending the Gathering, representatives from CEB Services will be available to share more about the transition and answer questions you may have.
As we look ahead, we also want to express our sincere gratitude to our current providers: Empower, Zeutenhorst Financial, Inc., and Connie Buskohl CPA P.C. Their faithful service and partnership have been instrumental in establishing and supporting the Alliance retirement plan over the years, and we are deeply grateful for their commitment.
(You are also welcome to reach out to Network Leader Ron Fischer at ronfischer45@gmail.com if you have any questions)
Recent UMV Network Articles
