By Rev. Ryan Otto
In a letter to the United Church Board of Ministerial Assistance, the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards, the Rev. Ryan Otto, Pastor First Congregational Church, Sioux Falls, SD, shares how the gift of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative has rooted and shaped his approach to life and ministry. Rev. Otto was a participant of NGLI*1, the inaugural cohort.
To the dreamers, visionaries, and leaders of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative of the Pension Boards: Thank you. Please receive my sincere gratitude for your diligent work in the inventive NGLI program, for the faith to take the risk on such a new endeavor, and for your investment in my ministry and in me as a person of faith.
I will attempt to name the gift of the ten-year NGLI program in one word: rootedness.
By Rev. Beth Abbott
The Rev. Beth Abbott, Pastor of First Congregational UCC in South Milwaukee, WI, shares how her life has been transformed during her almost-completed 10-year journey with the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI). Rev. Abbott is a participant in the inaugural cohort, NGLI*1. Read Rev. Abbot’s letter of gratitude below.
When I began Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI), the idea of a ten-year commitment to anything seemed unusual and rather long. Starting in my 20s, I had only been doing three-to-four-year chunks of schooling (college, seminary) and just dating my now husband, Rich.
The Pension Boards is pleased to announce the addition of two new Target Annuitization Date (TAD) Funds effective January 2021: TAD Fund 2045 and TAD Fund 2050. These two new TAD Funds are designed for members who expect to annuitize their accounts (convert their monies into lifetime monthly income payments) close to the year indicated in the Fund’s name.
TAD Funds are a worry-free investment choice. The Pension Boards’ investment team automatically invests the funds more for growth when you are years away from retirement, and more conservatively as you approach your anticipated annuitization date. TAD Funds are also ideal for those who do not want to constantly reallocate their investments during market fluctuations.
Your net worth and cash flow are important barometers of your financial wellness.
Your net worth is your current assets (what you own) minus your current liabilities (what you owe). Among other things, your assets include savings and investments and any property you own. Your liabilities may include housing-related debt, such as a mortgage or home equity loan; car loans; personal loans; and credit card balances.
If you owe more than you own, you have a negative net worth. If you own more than you owe, you have a positive net worth.
Read more.By Rev. Mark E. Pettis
The Rev Mark E. Pettis, Senior Minister of Manhattan Beach Community Church in California, is completing his 10-year journey with the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI), a leadership development initiative administered by the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards. Read Rev. Pettis’ letter as he shares his journey and appreciation of the NGLI program.
Having just completed my participation in the “Benediction” event for NGLI*1 (the first cohort in the Next Generation Leadership Initiative), I find myself hovering in a reflective space. Spending this final, “formal” time together with my NGLI cohort reminded me of all that this wonderful program has meant for me and my ministry.
As part of an ongoing commitment to provide UCC employees and churches with greater service, access and options, the Pension Boards is pleased to announce that an opportunity to enroll in the UCC Dental Plan 2000 is available October 1-31, 2020 to employees and retirees who do not currently have dental coverage, or who have coverage in a plan other than the UCC’s. Coverage will become effective at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2021, and is available on a stand-alone basis, regardless of participation in the UCC (Non-Medicare) Health Benefits Plan or UCC Medicare Supplement Plan. The UCC Dental Plan offers 100% coverage for preventive care services, with no deductible or coinsurance. Preventive care services will not reduce the annual plan maximum.
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the start of the eighth month of the “new normal” since the start of the pandemic, I pray that you, your loved ones, and those you serve remain well.
The Pension Boards has remained fully operational throughout this time, even as most of our staff continues to work remotely. Our commitment to serving you from the intersection of faith and finance remains our primary focus, as it has for more than 106 years.
This week, Bank of America Corporation (BAC) announced a $2 billion bond deal called “Equality Progress Sustainability Bond” with funding that will help fight against income and social inequality in America’s Black and Hispanic communities. The Pension Boards has invested $6.6 million on behalf of its members.
By Rev. James Moos, Executive Director, Faith and Finance Ministries
“It just took off as if there was jet fuel.” So said Sheriff Brett Meyers of Whitman County, Washington concerning the fire that mostly destroyed the town of Malden. At the time of this writing, there are more than 100 active large fires burning in western states that have consumed approximately 6.6 million acres. Dozens of persons have died as a result, thousands of homes and buildings have been destroyed, and numerous communities are experiencing the worst air quality on the planet.