Resources from PC(USA)
Board of Pensions
“For your Benefit” - June Update from your Regional Representative with the Board of Pensions
by Clayton A. Cobb
Regional Representative for the
Synods of the Southwest, Southern California and Hawaii
15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15
Dear Friends,
In this June edition of “For your Benefit” I wanted to highlight three topics for your information:
· “The Request for a Relief of Conscience for churches who object to Benefits for Same-Gender Partners
· “Growing Into Tomorrow Today” Pre-Retirement Workshop and other Financial Seminars this fall in San Diego and Phoenix
· The EAP (Employee Assistance Program) telephone seminar on June 20, “Personal Resiliency in Times of Change”
“Relief of Conscience”
In my travels across the Synod of the Southwest and the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii I continue to hear concerns about a lack of a “Relief of Conscience” (ROC) for churches who object to benefits for same-gender partners. In response the Board has announced that is it giving churches and other employing organizations the opportunity to formally object to the extension of spousal and child benefits to qualified domestic partners of Benefits Plan members that will take effect January 1, 2013.
The Board continues to take seriously the urging of the 219th General Assembly (2010) to design a relief of conscience mechanism for those who object to this extension of benefits on moral grounds. It considers this opportunity a first step in response to that urging. For additional information on how to register any objections and for more information regarding how this decision will impact the plan and it’s financial resources please read the pensions.org story.
For members who want to enroll their qualified domestic partners and their children in the Benefits Plan, the Board will begin providing information in the summer edition of The Board Bulletin, due out at the end of July.
More will be known after this summer’s General Assembly. The Board will keep all members and churches posted.
“Financial Seminars and Workshops coming this Fall”
To help our members and their families grow in stewardship of their health and their finances, the Board offers a variety of Seminars and Workshops. This fall in San Diego and in Phoenix we have a number of opportunities to present. Each offers vital information, but know that the “Growing Into Tomorrow Today” (the Pre-retirement Seminary) fills quickly! I would encourage you to respond soon.
September 20 and 21 at White Sands in San Diego, and October 2 and 3 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Valley, Arizona.
“Growing Into Tomorrow Today” - This holistic retirement planning seminar is designed for mid- to late-career clergy and lay Benefits Plan members. Spouses and fiancés/fiancées are encouraged to attend. The seminar can help you:
· decide where to live
· maintain your optimal health now and later
· integrate pension, Social Security, and personal savings
· understand Medicare and the Board’s Medicare Supplement Plan
· explore options for play, learning, volunteering, and work
· use your knowledge and wisdom to benefit others
To register for the San Diego Event, use this link: http://www.cvent.com/d/fcq1bz. The registration for the Pleasant Valley (Phoenix) event will open soon.
Here’s the link for more information: http://www.pensions.org/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=84444&mode=2
September 17 at White Sands in San Diego, and October 4 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Valley, Arizona.
“Post Retirement Workshop” - This holistic retirement planning seminar is designed for clergy and lay Benefits Plan retirees, their spouses, and surviving spouses. At the seminar, you can:
· get an update on Board services, Medicare, and the Board’s Medicare Supplement Plan
· discover tips to manage your finances
· learn to maximize the clergy housing allowance as a retired minister
· explore the different types of retirement housing
· discuss what it means to have a call in retirement
to register for the San Diego event, use this link: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Calendar/Calendar.aspx?cal=70e47197-9d06-433b-ac11-7acd48962f5f. The registration for the Pleasant Valley (Phoenix) event will open soon. Here’s the link for more information: http://www.pensions.org/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=84445&mode=2
Two additional seminars/workshops will be offered at the White Sands facility in San Diego.
September 18 – Getting in Shape Fiscally - How fiscally fit are you? This financial planning seminar is designed for seminarians and early- to mid-career clergy and lay Benefits Plan members. Spouses and fiancés/fiancées are encouraged to attend. The seminar can help you:
· understand your income and benefits coverage
· discover debt reduction, saving, and personal finance tips
· begin a retirement plan
· take advantage of investment opportunities
· clarify clergy taxes and terms of call structure
* This seminar fulfills one application requirement for the Seminary Debt Assistance Program.
To register, use this link: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Calendar/Calendar.aspx?cal=70e47197-9d06-433b-ac11-7acd48962f5f
September 19 – Render Unto Caesar - Clergy taxes and terms of call issues can be complicated. This seminar clarifies them and ensures that active ministers and churches and employing organizations can take advantage of the available options, as well as file correctly for tax purposes.
This clergy tax and terms of call seminar is designed for clergy and spouses, churches and employing organizations, and middle governing body staff and leaders. It reviews:
· effective salary
· housing allowance
· flexible spending accounts
· taxable vs. non-taxable income
· tax and income reporting
· tax advantages of the Retirement Savings Plan
To register use this link: http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Calendar/Calendar.aspx?cal=70e47197-9d06-433b-ac11-7acd48962f5f
All seminars/workshops are offered at no cost, however with each location there will be a small fee for lunches and hospitality expenses.
Finally, recognizing the prevalence of stress that seems to be throughout the church Cigna Behavioral Health through the Employee Assistance Program is offering an EAP telephonic seminar on June 20 on “Personal Resiliency in Times of Change”. This telephonic seminar will last one hour with a question and answer session at the close. I’ve attached a power point on this topic as well as the Handouts and the Promotional poster.
This seminar will help you learn how to deal more effectively with stress and uncertainty, remain productive and get additional help when you need it. The time will be: June 20, 2:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT.
Please pre-register on line at: http://ww4.premconf.com/webrsvp, Confirmation code: 6944733
Seminar replay is available beginning on June 20 at 5:00 pm and will end 11:59 pm CT June 29. To access the replay dial 1-888-203-1112, with passcode 6944733
Remember each member and family member in the plan has access for up to 6 face-to-face counseling session at no cost (beyond 6, regular medical deductibles apply). As one who has taken advantage of the Behavioral Health benefits offered by our plan I can assure you these are tremendous resources. Call me if I can be of further help.
May the God of grace and peace refresh us and sustain us through this summer season!
Clayton A. Cobb
Regional Representative for the
Synods of the Southwest, Southern California and Hawaii
Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
800-773-7752 ext 7048 or 267-844-2411