Board of Pensions Regional Rep Review: August 2009
The following is the monthly report of Doug Kelly, the Regional Representative for the Board of Pensions.
Stewardship of Self Wellness Tip:
Know your family’s medical history. While fitness and a good diet are significant in helping us stay healthy and live longer, scientists say our genetic traits and inheritance also determine our health and longevity. When you know your family’s medical history, you can take proactive steps to lower your specific health risks. The Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth Web site offers expert advice on how to achieve good health.
2009 Midyear Investment Review Now Available
The 2009 Midyear Investment Review of the Board of Pensions Balanced Investment Portfolio is now available. Entitled “Honey, I Shrunk the Economy,” the review provides insight into today’s market conditions, examines investment results for periods ended June 30, 2009, and provides commentary on both the short- and long-term investment horizons and our long-term objectives.
2010 Middle Governing Body Grants Applications Deadline is August 15
Applications for Middle Governing Body Grants are due no later than August 15, 2009. Ten Middle Governing Body Grants in amounts up to $15,000 are available for 2010, and must be matched by the middle governing body’s financial contribution.
Middle Governing Body Grants may be used to fund practical skills training for pastors who are members of the Benefits Plan and currently serving a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation. Eligible expenses must be directly related to practical skills education in the areas of congregational and staff leadership, budgeting and financial management, strategic planning, and conflict resolution.
For more information about these grants, visit Pensions.org. The Web site provides the application, as well as program samples and contact information.
Giving to Assistance Program Easier than Ever
The Board of Pensions offers a new secure online contribution site that makes it easier than ever to give to the Assistance Program. The online form allows a donor to designate his/her gift to support a particular part of the program and to contribute in honor or in memory of a loved one. The site also provides an instant confirmation of the contribution and will send a confirmation email for the donor’s records.
Transition-to-College Assistance Grants Applications Being Accepted
Transition-to-College Assistance Grants applications for students who are freshmen in the 2009 to 2010 academic year are being accepted through June 30, 2010. This pilot program helps mitigate transitional expenses, such as the purchase of computers and dorm room furnishings, for eligible families.
To review the program details, eligibility guidelines, and application procedures, please visit Pensions.org.
Summer EducationTalk Published to Pensions.org
The Summer 2009 issue of EducationTalk is now available on Pensions.org. This issue encompasses all four aspects of Stewardship of Self: spiritual, vocational, financial, and health. In addition to reviewing the Medical Plan modifications made as a result of the June Board of Directors meeting, it includes articles about caring for our communities in tough times, your Annual Statement of Benefits, how to safeguard your identity, what to keep in your emergency kit, 2009 skin cancer facts, and much more.
Calling All Members: Submit Your Wellness Success Stories and Statements
Have you taken advantage of one of the wellness programs offered through the Benefits Plan or the Assistance Program or engaged in other healthy behaviors that have improved your well-being? If so, we’d like to hear from you.
The Stewardship of Self section of Pensions.org features two sections that highlight success stories and wellness statements from members. In the Share Your Story section, members share experiences they’ve had using the wellness program and the Assistance Program. In the Personal Wellness Statements section, members share quick tips for how they have engaged in Stewardship of Self.
If you have a story or tip to share, please contact us through our easy-to-use online contact form. It is one way you can reach out to and inspire the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) community.
Benefits Connect: Secure Online Access to Benefits Information
Benefits Connect is a secure Web site available on Pensions.org that provides active and retired Plan members and surviving spouses with access to their personal benefits information. These members can submit changes to their contact information and dependent status, as well as use online calculators to estimate pension and death benefits.
If you are an active or retired member or a surviving spouse and have not yet registered for this secure, easy-to-use site, you can do so by visiting the Pensions.org homepage and clicking on “Register” under the Benefits Connect heading.
Now is a good time to start planning for 2010.
If you want to have a retiree luncheon, special presentation at a presbytery meeting, a pre-presbytery workshop or a COM/CPM training event regarding the work and benefits of the Board of Pensions send me a email. Even if you don’t have a specific date in mind right now. Let me know that you want to be on the list for next year.
