Olympia Presbytery Newsletter

July 10th, 2024

Information in this Issue:

• Board of Pensions

• Korean Board of Pensions

• Misconduct Prevention Training

• Insurance Change

• Feedback Opportunity

• Volunteer Request

• Job Board

Greetings,

The 2025 Benefits Plan is designed to promote flexibility and choice for congregations and their pastoral leadership. We thank you for your partnership as we continue our outreach and support them through this generational change. I hope you’ve had a chance or will be able to participate in either an online or in-person event where I’ve led discussions about the new dues packages.

In August, congregations will start submitting their Employer Agreements to confirm the benefits they’ll offer ministers and staff in 2025. To help them make the decisions that best meet their benefits needs in 2025, I am available to answer their questions and help guide faithful decision-making.

We also encourage congregations and their ministers to explore these learning resources:

• 2025 Decision Guide for Minister Benefits, an online tool that can help determine 2025 eligibility and calculate costs for the Congregational Pastors Package, Transitional Pastor’s Participation, and the Covenant Package

• Living by the Gospel, a guide to supporting ministers through benefits from the Board of Pensions, detailing employer incentive programs and including salary study information  

• Tips for Determining the Right Healthcare Coverage for You and Your Family webinar on Aug. 8 (registration opens in July), covering ACA-established exchanges, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP qualifications, alternative sources of coverage, and additional resources to learn more about available medical coverage options

• dues scenarios providing examples in which the updated dues structures apply to ministers with varying situations

• Faithful Conversations, an e-learning course from the Board of Pensions designed to equip pastors and congregations to have faithful conversations and make decisions pertaining to benefits and other aspects of compensation

• Serving More, Serving Better (2025), a benefits literacy e-learning course coming in July that introduces plans, programs, and benefits packages for 2025

As a reminder, review emails from the Board of Pensions and visit these important links/resources to prepare for benefits in 2025:

seasonofrebuilding.pensions.org

Benefits Plan 2025 Decision Guide

I am actively speaking with congregations and ministers to help guide faithful decision-making. If you would like information and guidance, please contact me.

Christine Long

clong@pensions.org Office: 215-587-7264 Cell: 215-704-736 You may also call the Board at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711) for assistance.

July 28, 2024 at 4pm United Presbyterian Church of Seattle 8506 238th St. SW Edmonds, WA 98026

We are asking that everyone register so that we know numbers for snacks and room placement.

The Olympia Presbytery is considering changing insurance carrier for professional, property and medical liability coverage.  Is your insurance for your church adequate?  What is your experience with your insurance company?  Olympia Presbytery would like to hear from you. A few questions to consider-

1. Have you considered placing a claim but had the insurance representative talk you out of placing a claim?

2. Have you had a claim that the insurance company paid as you expected?

3. How does the insurance company set the rate for your church buildings?

4. Do you need or have professional and medical liability insurance for your many volunteers, members, visitors and staff?  

5. Have you had occasion to submit a claim?  

Who is the best insurance contact for your church and would that contact be interested in being on an Olympia Presbytery committee to consider the options for insurance coverage? Please forward the volunteer contact information to John Bosshart at insurance@olypres.org

You speak. We listen.

Here’s your opportunity to share your feedback concerning current matters.

Presbytery Office Renovation Task Force

Archiving and Office Renovation Project:  The Olympia Presbytery leases office space at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Tacoma.  This space has not been usable for quite some time because of all the boxes received from closed or departing congregations.  A task force is forming to create a welcoming working environment. 

We need servant hands and minds skilled in organization. If you’re interested in volunteering to support this effort please contact Nivia at admin@olypres.org

Monday, July 22nd 10 AM- 6PM

This space needs some TLC. Volunteers needed. Come help us transform this space into a workable office space.

If a position has been filled, please notify Nivia at admin@olypres.org

Olympia Presbytery Newsletter will go out on the 2nd Wednesday of every month. Please have any submissions for the next issue in by the 30th of each month. Send all questions and requests to admin@olypres.org