All of us at one time or another have experienced some type of personal crisis or life event that resulted in grief, stress, financial loss, and more. At the Pension Boards, we are fully committed to your health and personal well-being. We care when life throws you a curve ball.
At its November 2017 meeting, the Board of Directors of the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA) discussed the future of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) in response to its recent program evaluation. UCBMA Directors overwhelmingly affirmed NGLI and gave thanks for the vitality and vigor that pastors are stirring in the United Church of Christ from the mix of coursework, field trips, and cohort engagement.
Glenview, IL, November 30, 2017 — The Church Alliance commends Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for her introduction of an amendment to preserve important retirement security provisions for clergy and church lay workers that would be repealed by the tax reform legislation pending in the Senate. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) joined in co-sponsoring the amendment. The amendment is essential to provide employees of religiously-affiliated organizations with a meaningful opportunity to save for a secure retirement.
Why Financial Wellness Matters
No one wants more stressors in their lives but we all have them. Stress attributed to work, family and health issues are top concerns for most of us. But, if money problems keep you up at night, impact your personal relationships and even create or exacerbate health problems, you’re not alone. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), money and financial problems are the number one stressors in our lives.
As you may be aware, the agreement between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Hartford Healthcare expired on September 30, 2017.
Since then, the failure of the two organizations to come to an agreement has adversely impacted the ability of UCC Health Plan participants to access hospitals, physicians, and other medical professionals within Hartford Healthcare.
The Flexible Benefit Plan for UCC Ministries, also referred to as the Flexible Spending Account or “FSA,” will be administered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield beginning in 2018. New FSA debit cards, effective January 1, 2018, will be issued and mailed by Highmark to FSA Plan participants’ home addresses in mid-December. Please be on the lookout for your new card!
Your credit scores, sometimes known as “FICO” scores, are used by lenders and other businesses to assess your creditworthiness and general financial reliability. Also, lenders use your scores to determine your credit limit and the interest rate you’ll be charged. While there are many different versions of your score in use, those tabulated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) are the most frequently used today.
The Pension Boards’ Faith and Finance Advisory Group gathered for a two-day meeting October 24-25 in New York to discuss ways the Faith and Finance Initiative can be interpreted and embodied to impact the work and life of the Church and those who serve it.
Forced to choose, I prioritized opportunities that aligned with the Grand Dream and let go of those that did not: A conversation with the BBC about God in the U.S. election? Yes, ahead of all else. Organizing the Council to make a new policy, even on a pressing matter? No. Providing the best sermon I could manage? Yes. Fellowship lunch after church with long-time members?
by Rev. Jennifer Mills-Knutsen
In this two-part testimonial posting today and tomorrow, the Rev. Jennifer Mills-Knutsen, Senior Minister of American International Church in London, shares her personal ministry and health journey, highlighting the significant role CREDO played during her season of transition.