NEW

These classes were not offered last year.

 

 

CONCEPTUAL

These classes focus on thoughts and ideas, not on the mechanics of the software.

 

 

PREREQUISITE

These classes build on content covered in other classes. Knowledge of that content is required before attending these classes.

 

 

TECHNICAL CONTENT

These classes lend themselves to highly technical discussions and may be confusing for those with little technical background.

 

 

 

 

Administrating Your Access ACS Account

Discover how to set up and administrate Access ACS. This class will cover:

·         Synchronizing your Access ACS and your ACS desktop or ACS OnDemand information

·         Setting security profiles

·         Managing users

·         Configuring account options

Applications Forum: People

Get answers to specific software-related questions, discover how other ACS users have addressed issues you're facing, and gain insight to use your software more effectively. 

Content may include functionality from the People, Contributions, Attendance, Connections, Checkpoint, and Reservations modules and from Access ACS.

 

Bulk Mailing with Cass It! and Max It!

Provide your office with the tools you need to increase your bulk mail capability. Learn to use Max It in conjunction with Cass It to save you time and money while getting the maximum benefits of managing your bulk mailings. This class will cover:

·         Setting up and running Cass It!

·         Setting up and running Max It!

·         Understanding the Cass It! certification process

·         Meeting the USPS® move update requirements

·         Configuring labels for bulk mail

·         Understanding bulk mail reports

·         Integrating Max It with the USPS Facility Access and Shipment Tracking system (FAST)

Content will include functionality from the People, Cass It! and Max It! modules. Max It is an advanced mailing module designed to work in conjunction with ACS CASS It.

 

Church Tax Laws: Donor   

Explore the legal issues concerning donor records. Led by Gene Hill, CPA and retired IRS appeals officer. This class will cover:

·         Setting up and keeping accurate and complete records

·         Producing timely, accurate reports for your donors

·         Distinguishing between deductible and non-deductible gifts

 

Connecting People to Meaningful Ministry

Explore concepts, strategies, and tools for getting people “plugged in” to ministry. This class will cover:

·         Understanding the PLACE model for ministry placement

·         Identifying the entry points

·         Establishing placement, screening, and training processes

Connections: Setup

Gain an understanding of the components of the Connections module, including how to maximize your ability to track contacts with your congregation and prospects. This class will cover:

·         Making key decisions to enhance the setup process

·         Configuring contact types, responses, teams, and templates

·         Creating assignment cards

·         Configuring Access ACS for use with Connections

Content will include functionality from the Connections module and from Access ACS.

 

Connections: Tracking Contacts and Follow-up Efforts 

Discover a whole set of tools designed to help you manage your ministry contact efforts. This class will cover:

·         Recording contacts initiated by guests and members and assigning appropriate follow-up efforts

·         Using templates to create multiple contact assignments

·         Recording follow-up efforts and attempts

·         Making sure follow-up assignments are not falling through the cracks

·         Scheduling proactive contacts with guests and members

Content will include functionality from the People, Connections, and Church Growth Tools modules and from Access ACS.

 

Contributions: Setup and Posting

Grasp the basics of the Contributions module, including setup options, adding funds and giving plans, posting of regular and special gifts, quick entry tools, and more. This class will cover:

·         Configuring the Contributions module

·         Setting up contributor records

·         Setting up and using fund codes

·         Entering and posting contributions

·         Posting contributions made through Access ACS

Content will include functionality from the Contributions module and Access ACS.

 

Contributions: Working with Pledges and Pledge Campaigns

Gain valuable insight for working with pledges, including:

·         Adding, editing, and copying pledges

·         Mass adding pledges to groups of contributors

·         Handling pre-payments and pledges that are past due

·         Handling multi-year pledges

·         Reporting on pledges and campaigns

Content will include functionality from the People and Contributions modules.

 

Contributor Records and Reports

Produce the information you need to keep your donors and the IRS happy! This class will cover:

·         Setting individual contribution information

·         Working with envelope numbers

·         Running inquiries

·         Producing statements

·         Running key reports

Content will include functionality from the People and Contributions modules and from Access ACS.

 

E-mail Marketing with Constant Contact^®

Discover how permission-based e-mail communications can solidify existing relationships, initiate new ones and convert members into long-term supporters. 

The session will cover the best practices of e-mail marketing, including:

·         How to build and manage e-mail lists

·         How to create effective e-mails

·         How to measure results

 

Getting Started with Online Giving

Discover how to set up and administrate Online Giving. Allow members to give tithes and contributions, track pledge progress, and designate amounts toward particular funds at any time online.

·         Signing up for online giving

·         Setting up merchant accounts

·         Setting up online giving

·         Online payments options

·         Importing online giving contributions

·         Using online giving URLs

·         Printing giving reports

Content may include functionality from the People and Contribution modules and from Access ACS.

 

Implementing a Volunteer Ministry

Begin a step-by-step plan to prepare your church to adopt and implement a volunteer-equipping ministry. This class will cover:

·         Communicating the concepts of volunteer ministry and getting others to buy in

·         Developing a plan for implementing a complete volunteer ministry

·         Changing the culture of your organization to allow your volunteer ministry to flourish

Integrated Background Checks

Keep your ministry, children, youth, and those with special needs safe. Find out how you will be able to order, review, and organize your background checks with our integrated partner, SecureSearch.

 

Managing Classes and Activities

Get in-depth training in using the Activity and Attendance groups. This class will cover:

·         Understanding the functions of master groups, categories, and roster level groups

·         Configuring class and activity groups for tracking the right information

·         Using events to track multiple services or extracurricular activities

·         Adding members to or dropping members from group rosters

·         Viewing and printing rosters and lists (including history)

Content will include functionality from the People and Attendance modules and from Access ACS.

 

Managing People Profiles

Discover the tools you have for tracking people and families in ACS. This class will cover:

·         Configuring the Find Person window

·         Adding individual and family records to the database

·         Adding addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses

·         Blending and separating families

·         Adding and editing information through Access ACS

Content will include functionality from the People module and from Access ACS.

 

Managing Small Groups Using Access ACS 

Get in-depth training in the Access ACS Small Groups components. This class will cover:

·         Communicating with group members

·         Updating member information

·         Adding members to your group

·         Following up on potential group members

·         Keeping track of attendance

·         Editing the group structure and staff

Content will include functionality from the People module and from Access ACS.

 

Managing Volunteer Ministry Using Access ACS

Get in-depth training in using the Access ACS Volunteer Ministry components. This class will cover:

·         Preparing the system

·         Setting up Volunteer Ministry components

·         Entering volunteer attributes

·         Connecting volunteers and needs

 

Mass E-mailing with Constant Contact

Learn the various components of Constant Contact and see how this powerful e-mail marketing tool can work for you. The session will cover:

·         Account setup

·         Uploading and managing e-mail lists

·         Creating great looking and effective e-mails

·         Measuring results through tracking and reporting

 

Merging with Microsoft® Word

Grasp the basics of using the Mail Merge tool, including:

·         Saving and loading documents for later use

·         Creating single letter mail merges

·         Merging to envelopes, directories, and other types of documents

·         Merging from Advanced Exports

Content will include functionality from the People module.

 

Recruiting and Keeping Good Volunteers

Gather insights and proven tips for recruiting, placing, and training volunteers for ministry and then keeping them there!

This class will cover:

·         Keeping your current workers excited and fulfilled

·         Recruiting new workers

·         Screening and equipping workers

Tested Tools for Implementing a Connections Ministry

Join David Childers, ACS client, former ACS trainer, and communications pastor at First Baptist Church of Orangeburg, SC, to discover strategies and tools for contacting and assimilating people into your congregation. Content will include:

·         Building your connections team

·         Creating your processes

·         Making a good first impression

·         Getting people plugged in

 

Tips & Tricks: Bulk Mailings 

Learn how to manage your bulk mailings easily and effectively and save money doing it.

This class will cover:

·         Setting up your labels for bulk mailing

·         Understanding address certification options

·         Understanding National Change Of Address (NCOA) requirements

·         Processing a bulk mailing

Content will include functionality from the People module. This class does NOT cover Cass It or Max It.

 

Tips & Tricks: Labels  

Create and print the labels you need. This class will help you in:

·         Understanding the labels interface

·         Creating and saving label templates

·         Creating custom labels (name badges)

·         Mixing custom text with database fields

·         Getting names to print correctly (Jim & Susie Snowflake, NOT Susie Snowflake & family)

Content will include functionality from the People module.

 

Tips & Tricks: People Profiles

Tracking the right data in a format you can use can be tricky. Discover how to maximize your use of the People module, including:

·         Using Additional Fields

·         Tracking relationships beyond the family unit

·         Using comments

·         Tracking multi-step processes (like membership)

·         Working with individual and family pictures

·         Keeping your data clean with Mass Change and Mass Delete

 

Tips & Tricks: Searches and Filters  

It’s all about getting results. This class will help you in:

·         Understanding when to use filters and when to use searches

·         Saving search and filter criteria

·         Saving search results

·         Searching on previous results

·         Editing search and filter results

·         Using search and filter results with the Find Person window

·         Using search and filter results with reports

Content will include functionality from the People module.

 

Tracking Participation in Classes and Activities

Learn the basics of tracking the enrollment and attendance of your group members. This class will cover:

·         Adding or dropping groups from an individual’s record

·         Viewing an individual’s group information (including history)

·         Using tools for gathering attendance markings

·         Marking attendance

·         Using the attendance inquiry and reports

Content will include functionality from the People and Attendance modules and from Access ACS.

 

Volunteer Ministry Forum 

Get answers to specific volunteer-related questions, discover how other ACS users have addressed issues you are facing, and gain insight to facilitate your volunteer ministry more effectively. 

 

What’s New in ACS People Suite Version 10.2

Get an overview of the newest features and enhancements of ACS People Suite. This class discusses updates for all the People Suite modules.

 

Working with ACS Reports

Gain an understanding of the different report types, the options for configuring the reports, and the methods for saving your preferences for later use. This class will cover:

·         Accessing default and saved reports

·         Setting report options and saving them for later use

·         Previewing, printing, and exporting reports

·         Using key People reports

 

Accounts Payable: Invoices and Checks

Learn to keep track of your creditors and manage expenses effectively. This class will cover:

·         Adding and editing vendors

·         Adding and editing invoices

·         Posting invoices

·         Printing and posting checks

·         Managing cash flow

·         Running inquiries

Content will include functionality from the General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules.

 

Accounts Receivable: Billing and Collections 

Discover the basics of billing for your school, day care, or bookstore. This class will cover:

·         Adding and editing customers

·         Adding and editing invoices

·         Posting invoices and mass billing

·         Adding and editing payments

·         Posting payments

·         Printing receipts

·         Printing customer statements

Content will include functionality from the Accounts Receivable module.

 

Applications Forum: Financials

Get answers to specific software-related questions, discover how other ACS users have addressed issues you are facing, and gain insight to use your software more effectively. 

Content may include functionality from the General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Fixed Assets modules.

 

Budgeting with a “Ministry Action” Approach

Learn an eight-step approach for effective budgeting within your church based on your church’s vision, goals, and ministry plans. We will discuss key areas for a successful budgeting process and cover such points as:

·         Deciding who should be involved in furnishing budget information

·         Obtaining important historical financial information

·         Estimating church growth (membership, Bible study, worship attendance)

·         Analyzing contributors and church giving potential

·         Projecting and justifying budget receipts and other funding sources

·         Presenting ministry plans for the new budget year

We will also share two important tools for ensuring that the budgeting process is followed, and we’ll review various budget procedures and successfully used

budgeting forms.

 

Church Tax Laws: Accountable Reimbursement Plans 

Find out about accountable reimbursement plans, their advantages, and their disadvantages, and learn the record-keeping requirements applicable to these plans. Taught by Gene Hill, CPA and retired IRS appeals officer. This class will cover:

·         Understanding accountable reimbursement plans for clergy

·         Structuring and managing these plans

·         Keeping accurate and complete records

 

Church Tax Laws: Ask the Expert   

Bring your questions to an open forum led by Gene Hill, a retired IRS appeals officer with specialized knowledge on church tax matters. 

 

Church Tax Laws: Payroll  

Explore the legal issues concerning payroll records. Led by Gene Hill, CPA and retired IRS appeals officer. This class will cover:

·          Setting up and keeping accurate and complete payroll records

·          Preventing costly mistakes and IRS penalties

 

Getting Started with ACS General Ledger

Get an overview of ACS Financial Suite, including:

·         Using multiple funds and datasets

·         Understanding account types

·         Understanding how the General Ledger module relates to other financial modules

·         Using key General Ledger reports

This class builds on material covered in Making Sense out of Non-profit Bookkeeping. Content will include functionality from the General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Fixed Assets modules.

 

Getting Started with ACS Payroll

Learn how to effectively set up your Payroll module, including:

·          Adding cost centers and pay types

·          Creating employee records

·          Tracking vacation and sick time

·          Adjusting check layouts

This class builds on material covered in Making Sense out of Non-profit Bookkeeping. Content will include functionality from the Payroll module.

 

Making Sense out of Non-profit Bookkeeping

Grasp the basic principles of not-for-profit accounting and the concepts on which the financial modules are based. This class will cover:

·         Understanding credits and debits as used in accounting

·         Reviewing the basic concepts of double-entry and fund accounting

·         Exploring the role of the chart of accounts in your records

·         Understanding basic ACS financial terminology

Content will include functionality from the General Ledger module.

 

Managing Payroll

Learn the basics of payroll, including:

·         Processing payroll

·         Managing vacation and sick time

·         Understanding monthly and quarterly payroll liabilities

·         Correcting W-2 totals

·         Configuring direct deposit

 

Period-end Tasks and Reports

Explore the specific tasks and reports involved with closing the month, quarter, or year. This class will cover:

·         Printing month-end reports

·         Reconciling the bank accounts

·         Entering adjustments

·         Closing the modules

Content will include functionality from the General Ledger, Accounts Payable, and Accounts Receivable modules.

 

Ten Important Internal Financial Controls for Every Church

Learn ten important internal controls that should be in place to protect your church against financial risks and exposures to the ministry. You will receive a checklist outlining these controls, and you’ll learn risk examples regarding each control.

 

Tips & Tricks: Accounts Payable

Maximize your management of purchases and expenses. This class will cover:

·          Voiding checks

·          Using memorized invoices

·          Working with discounts

·          Using purchase orders

·          Setting up ACH payments

This class builds on material covered in Making Sense out of Non-profit Bookkeeping and Accounts Payable: Invoices and Checks. Content will include functionality from the General Ledger, Accounts Payable, and Purchase Orders modules.

 

Tips & Tricks: Accounts Receivable

Maximize your management of billable services. This class will cover:

·         Receiving credit card payments

·         Adding and editing billing codes

·         Adding and editing payment codes

·         Issuing refunds and credits

·         Handling payments returned for insufficient funds

·         Batching transactions

This class builds on material covered in Making Sense out of Non-profit Bookkeeping and Accounts Receivable: Billing and Collections. Content will include functionality from the Accounts Receivable module.

 

Tips & Tricks: Chart of Accounts

Discover practical tips for setting up and using your chart of accounts. This class will cover:

·          Organizing the chart of accounts (COA)

·          Setting up multiple COA views

·          Using COA views in reports

·          Working with budgets

This class builds on material covered in Making Sense out of Non-profit Bookkeeping  and Getting Started with General Ledger. Content will include functionality from the General Ledger module.

 

What’s New in ACS Accounts Receivable Version 10.2

Get an overview of the newest features and enhancements of the ACS Accounts Receivable module. 

 

What’s New in ACS Financial Suite Version 10.2

Get an overview of the newest features and enhancements of ACS Financial Suite. This class discusses updates for all the financial modules except Accounts Receivable (see above).

 

 

Denominational Offices: Communications

Communicate more effectively. Use ACS to reach your clients in different ways by:

·         Using ACS to create personalized form letters and envelopes

·         Grouping  people and churches or parishes together to create mail lists and contact lists

·         Mass e-mailing

·         Using Extract reports and Advanced Exports in ACS

 

Denominational Offices: Managing Organizations and People Profiles

Discover the tools you have for tracking churches and staff in ACS. This class will cover:

·         Adding individual, family, and organization records to the database

·         Setting up and using Quick View

·         Configuration of the Find Person and Find Organization windows

·         Changing family units

·         Adding addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses

Content will include functionality from the Organizations and People modules.

 

Denominational Offices: Using Access ACS

Allow users to give to your office, register for events, and pay for these events. This class covers:

·         Setting up and beginning to use Access ACS for your denominational office

·         Keeping your files up to date by allowing individuals to change their address, phone number, and other  personal information online

·         Allowing individuals to give to your office online

·         Allowing individuals to register for events that your office plans, ask specific questions related to events, and pay for them online

·         Sending mass e-mails to participants registered for an event

Denominational Offices Tips & Tricks: Reports and Labels

Create and print the reports and labels you need. This class will help you in:

·         Setting up and configuring reports

·         Saving and loading report configurations

·         Understanding the labels interface

·         Creating and saving label templates

·         Creating custom labels (name badges)

·         Mixing fixed text with database fields

Content will include functionality from the Organizations and People modules.

 

 

Denominational Offices Tips & Tricks: Searches and Filters

It’s all about getting results. This class will help you in:

·         Understanding when to use filters and when to use searches

·         Setting up and configuring filters

·         Saving, loading, and editing filters

·         Saving search criteria

·         Saving search results

·         Manipulating output results

Content will include functionality from the Organizations and People modules.

 

Next Steps to Success for Denominational Offices

Discover ACS solutions that can help you become an even more valuable resource to your churches. This course covers:

·         Using Access ACS

·         Using Connections

·         Using DataShare

·         Using Extend

·         Using LiveStor

·         Using OnDemand

 

 

Communicating with Parents Using HeadMaster

Communicating with parents has become a high priority. HeadMaster makes it easy to do just that with its many communication options. This class will cover features for HeadMaster Plus, HeadMaster Pro, and HeadMaster OnDemand, including:

·         Using the school calendar

·         Creating announcements

·         Setting up events

·         Using administrative functions in HeadMaster Online

·         Using HeadMaster for correspondence

 

HeadMaster Big Picture   

Get an overview of the resources available for schools and day care data management. See how these tools can help you keep track of your school's records, from registration to graduation and beyond. You’ll learn the functions and capabilities of this suite of modules.

 

HeadMaster Billing

Discover the ins and outs of the simple billing program. HeadMaster Billing fully integrates with all levels of HeadMaster: HeadMaster, HeadMaster Plus, HeadMaster Pro, and HeadMaster ProCM. This class will cover:

·         Setting up billing codes

·         Conducting searches on overall balances

·         Generating reports

·         Printing statements

·         Integrating with ACS General Ledger

 

HeadMaster Custom Reports I

With more than 125 predefined reports, HeadMaster offers a wide variety of options for reporting purposes. With HeadMaster Report Builder, you can rearrange a report, add fields, or remove unnecessary information. This class will cover:

·         Copying reports for editing purposes

·         Using Report Builder tools

·         Understanding the basics of modifying reports

 

HeadMaster Custom Reports II

Now that you know how to use the basic Report Builder tools, put that knowledge to use. Find out how to customize an actual report, and learn the steps to customize your own report card. This class will cover features in HeadMaster including:

·         Using subreports

·         Using memo boxes

·         Understanding regions

·         Previewing and printing

This class builds on material covered in HeadMaster Custom Reports I.

 

HeadMaster for Childcare Ministry I

Find out how to manage the day-to-day activities of your day care or preschool using HeadMaster. This class will cover the following features in HeadMaster Plus:

·         Entering child data

·         Setting up classes

·         Taking attendance

 

HeadMaster for Childcare Ministry II

Find out how to use the more advanced features of HeadMaster for your day care or preschool. This class will cover features in HeadMaster Plus, including:

·         Customizing grids

·         Understanding reporting capabilities

·         Communicating with parents

This class builds on material covered in HeadMaster for Childcare Ministry I.

 

HeadMaster Forum

Get answers to specific software-related questions, discover how other HeadMaster users have addressed issues you are facing, and gain insight to use your software more effectively.

 

HeadMaster Grading Features for Schools

Learn how to track grades, create report cards, print transcripts, and manage permanent records. This class will cover:

·         Creating assignments and types

·         Posting and calculating grades

·         Updating permanent records

·         Managing transcripts

 

Custom Report Solutions       

Review examples of custom reports generated from ACS data. This class will cover:

·         Using mail merges to create custom reports

·         Using Report Designer reports

·         Creating reports using the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver

·         Using Custom Reports services

This class builds on material covered in Exporting Your ACS Data and Working with ACS Reports. Content will include functionality from the People module.

 

Data Mining: Concepts and Tools  

Learn how to analyze the attendance and demographic data you are collecting, and understand what that data means. This class will cover:

·         Understanding how data relates to analysis and needs-assessment

·         Discovering ways to look at data

·         Exploring tools and resources available for data mining

 

Data Mining: Ministry Evaluation

How well are you doing at reaching your ministry goals and fulfilling your mission? Find out how to use your ACS data to evaluate your ministry effectiveness. This class will cover:

·         Recognizing data points that relate to your ministry goals and mission

·         Determining what criteria should be used for measuring ministry effectiveness

·         Using the tools in ACS for gathering data

·         Interpreting the results

This class builds on material covered in Data Mining: Concepts and Tools. Content will include functionality from the People, Attendance, Connections, and Church Growth Tools modules.

 

Database Maintenance:

Tidiness may have nothing to do with godliness, but it does make a database more efficient and easier to use. Discover tools and strategies that will empower you to keep your database clean and efficient. This class will cover:

·         Recognizing areas that are prone to data clutter

·         Communicating style guidelines (st. versus street)

·         Establishing wise policies for data archiving and clearing

Content may include functionality from all ACS modules.

 

Exporting Your ACS Data      

Discover ways to export your ACS data to Microsoft® Word, Excel®, and other tools that give you nearly unlimited resources for formatting, graphing, and sharing key information. This class will cover:

·         Using extract reports in ACS

·         Using advanced exports

·         Using the secure Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver

 

Tips & Tricks: Backups

Your staff manages irreplaceable data on a daily basis and depends upon the accessibility of the information represented within your files. This class will help you establish a system to protect this data from PC viruses, hardware failure, power outages, or even the unexpected physical disaster by:

·         Establishing an automatic backup routine

·         Testing your backup routine

·         Understanding what protection you need

·         Seeing how you may not be as protected as you think you are

Content will include functionality from the Automatic Backup feature and the LiveStor service.

 

 

Building an Online Community with Unifyer

Discover tips that will help you revolutionize your communication and enable community building in your church or organization. In this class, you will learn about:

·          Increasing effectiveness and efficiency of ministry-to-member direct communications (decentralized communications)

·          Empowering church members andattendees to choose their preferred method of communication (e-mail, text, iPhone™, Facebook™)

·         Enabling member-to-member connectivity through groups and social networking

 

Extend 101 (Who, What, When, Where, and How to Use Extend)

Discover how to set up and administrate your Extend Web site. This class will cover:

·         Getting acquainted with Extend

·         Using channels

·         Using the basic HTML editor

·         Utilizing Media Manager

·         Creating and laying out articles

 

Extend 201 (More Than Just the Basics)       

Maximize your use of the Extend Platform. This class will cover:

·         Working with tables and cells

·         Using content slide shows

·         Integrating with Access ACS

·         Organizing menus

·         Making CSS (Cascading Style Sheet) changes easily

This class builds on material covered in Extend 101.

 

Extend 301 (The Whole Shebang)

Explore the true power of Extend’s more advanced options, including:

·         Podcasting

·         Streaming media on your site

·         Java Scripting

·         Using Web plug-ins

·         Customizing site design

·         Making advanced CSS changes

This class builds on material covered in Extend 101 and Extend 102. Existing users can step right into this class to learn more about Extend.

 

Web Design EXTENDed

Learn the basics for effective Web site design, including:

·         Understanding good Web design

·         Making sites more appealing and user friendly

·         Incorporating dynamic information to get people coming back

·         Communicating effectively

 

 

ACS Facility Scheduler: Reports and Advanced Queries

Learn how to run advanced queries and execute reports for Facility Scheduler. Highlights include:

·         Creating and saving multiple advanced queries

·         Exporting and e-mailing advanced query results and reports

·         Using and printing reports

·         Applying saved queries to reports

 

ACS Facility Scheduler: Setup and Input

Learn how to set up Facility Scheduler, and discover the basics of using the program to manage events. Highlights include:

·         Setting up calendars and resources (equipment, facilities, and individuals)

·         Creating custom templates to gather information for unique event types

·         Adding one-time and recurring events to a calendar

·         Using different calendar and booking views to see information at a glance

 

Check-in/out Security 

Learn about this exciting tool designed to provide added security for children when they are arriving at or leaving events. This class will cover:

·         Configuring class and activity groups for use with Checkpoint

·         Printing name and security badges

·         Posting attendance from check-in information

·         Using kiosks for self-service check-in

·         Avoiding bottlenecks at check-in stations

Content will include functionality from the People, Attendance, and Checkpoint modules.

 

Event Registration and Payments Using Access ACS and ACS Facility Scheduler

Explore the tools available for managing event registration and payments online with Access ACS. This class will cover:

·         Setting up events for online registration

·         Accepting online payments for events

·         Accessing event information

 

Event Registration and Payments Using Reservations

Explore the tools available in the Reservations module for managing event registrations and payments. This class will cover:

·         Setting up events

·         Recording payments for events

·         Accessing event information

·         Moving records from Reservations to People when assimilated into church life

 

 

ACS Cutting Edge Solutions

Technology is developing at an incredible rate. How will this impact the way you work with data or how that data works for you? Discover exciting solutions that allow your ACS data to integrate with Microsoft® Outlook®, mobile phones, electronic displays, and Google™ gadgets.

 

Administrative Assistants’ Forum  

Join a panel of church administrative assistants to discuss common challenges administrative assistants face, share ideas and solutions, and develop skills that will enable you to become more effective in your role. 

 

Consultation Center  

Actual hands-on help may help you remember what you've learned. Be sure to visit the Consultation Center to put what you've learned to use. If you have questions regarding any of our products, you can find answers from the qualified support specialists and trainers.

 

Creating an Effective Church Policies and Procedures Manual 

In the current culture in which the church is operating, a policies and procedures manual is a must. Participants in this session will learn how to properly establish such a manual or to review the manual that already exists in their church, including:

·         Aiding the effective and efficient functioning of staff, ministry groups, and church members

·         Assisting church leadership in sound decision-making

·         Reducing the possibility of risks to the ministry

·         Optimizing the fulfillment of the church’s ministry purposes and goals

·         Keeping necessary written ministry guidelines in one place for easy and quick reference

Do It Yourself or Implementation: Lessons from the Field

Software can help you achieve your ministry goals, but making a purchase is just the first step. Join ACS implementation specialists to discuss how to devise a plan to implement tools and processes to produce ministry results. This class will cover:

·         Determining when implementation services are needed or when implementing on your own is enough

·         Sharing case studies from the field

·         Understanding why churches engage in implementation services

·         Building a successful project plan

 

Hardware and Technology Forum     

Join representatives from the ACS Professional Services staff and other experienced ACS users for an open discussion of technology-related topics, such as network performance, intrusion detection, spam protection, spyware protection, and more.

 

Helping People in a Hurting Economy

When the going gets tough, people turn to the church. Find out how you can truly help people who are struggling with tough economic times. This class will cover a variety of topics, such as:

·         Developing policies and procedures for benevolence ministries

·         Providing events and workshops that equip people with job skills, financial management tools, and legal advice

·         Tracking this information in ACS

 

Is OnDemand Right for Me?

Discover the fundamentals of the OnDemand delivery system, used by over 700 sites and 6,500 users every month. Come and learn how OnDemand could benefit you. This class will answer questions about:

·         Printing

·         Working from anywhere

·         Saving reports to your local hard drive

·         Determining necessary Internet types and connection speeds

 

Knowledge Base: Now You Know!

Learn how to find the answers you need 24 hours per day using the ACS Knowledge Base. This class will cover:

·         Logging on to the Knowledge Base

·         Using the natural language search capabilities to find answers to your software technical questions

·         Addressing questions that are not in the Knowledge Base

 

Network Administrators

Get a glimpse of the insights offered in the ACS network administrators certification course. This class touches on:

·         Maintaining a network

·         Cabling

·         Improving network performance

·         Tightening network security for the ACS application

 

Task Management Using Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft® Outlook® provides an integrated solution for managing and organizing schedules, tasks, notes, contacts, and other information. Discover ways to maximize this integration and manage your tasks and projects more efficiently. This class will cover:

·         Converting e-mails to tasks or calendar items

·         Using the timeline calendar view

·         Using categories to organize Outlook items

·         Switching between task or calendar views

·         Customizing report views to create progress reports

·         Assigning tasks to others

This class builds on material covered in Tips & Tricks: Microsoft Outlook.

 

Tested Tools for Implementing Access ACS

Join Matthew Irvine, ACS client and IT director of First Baptist Church of Belton, TX, to discover strategies and tools for making data available to your congregation and getting them to use it. This class will cover:

·         Determining what functionality to roll out

·         Pilot-testing your Access ACS configuration

·         Running an e-mail address-gathering campaign

·         Launching Access ACS with your congregation

·         Communicating the tools and benefits of Access ACS

 

Tips & Tricks: Microsoft Outlook (Basic)

Microsoft® Outlook® is far more than just a tool for composing and reading e-mail. It allows you to organize, manage, and plan your communications, your daily priorities, your contacts, and your schedule. Discover some tips that will help you use this fabulous tool, including:

·         Setting up subfolders to help you keep your e-mail, calendars, and contacts organized

·         Flagging e-mails for follow-up

·         Setting up rules to automatically move,  forward, or delete certain e-mails

·         Setting up notifications of when your e-mails are delivered and read

·         Importing and exporting calendar or contact information

·         Setting up recurring events or tasks