A recent Wall Street Journal article entitled, “Church Retirement Plans Sidestep Federal Oversight—and Employees Pay the Price,” published February 24, highlighted the financial vulnerabilities faced by employees of certain church-affiliated organizations, where underfunded or insolvent pension plans left employees financially insecure for their retirement years.
It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of Brian R. Bodager, former President and CEO of The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, Inc., who passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15. After nearly a decade of service, Brian announced his departure at the beginning of February to focus on his health.
Dear Friends and Partners,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share an important update regarding the executive leadership of the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ and United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, a committed partner in ministry serving to ensure people of call can serve from a strong foundation, knowing they have access to essential financial security, health, and wellbeing services.
By Rev. Bruce G. Epperly, Ph.D.
“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:6; 9-11)
Lessons Learned During and After Sabbatical
Rev. Ashley Nolte, Pastor at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Grafton, WI, discusses her recent sabbatical and the importance for pastors to practice self-care.