What do you need to know for August 2024?

First, you need to know that I am your new Conference Benefits Officer (Rev. Cheryl Weaver).  I currently serve BOTH the Northern Illinois Conference AND the Wisconsin Annual Conference. I am an ordained elder and member of the Wisconsin Annual Conference.  Before ministry I worked in the business world, and I have an insurance background as well as experience in technology and human resources. Administration is a passion (I love a good spreadsheet!) and I am grateful to be able to combine all my experience and skills to help you, as clergy, as church leaders, and as laity serving the church in the benefits area.

Here are some insights for August:

1. New insurance rates will be published soon!! Watch for more information. 
2. For those on the Healthflex program- DON’T FORGET to do your Health Check in Virgin Pulse before August 31^st, or you will pay a higher deductible in 2025!
3. A Retirement planning seminar is coming in October- watch for more information. All those who will be eligible to retire June 30, 2025, will be invited to attend.
4. In case you don’t know, a new pension plan is coming—COMPASS (it will replace CRSP). It begins in 2026, and as we have more information and training, I will be sure to pass it along.
5. LUNCH and LEARN’s are COMING! A new “Lunch and Learn” program will begin in late September. You can learn about your benefits, how to prep for tax season, etc. The current schedule is listed here with links to register. 
6. We are here for you- those of us who work in the Finance Department are here to answer your questions and help you, so please do not hesitate to reach out. You can find a complete list of our contact information right here: Staff | Northern Illinois Conference (umcnic.org)- under “Administrative”.

Ever wished you knew more about clergy taxes, or housing allowances, or why gravity is so unforgiving? Well, we may not be able to help with the last one, but if you want to know about BENEFITS, keep reading!

Beginning in September, the Conference Benefits officer, Cheryl Weaver, will be hosting a monthly “Lunch and Learn”.  Each month, we will spend some time learning about the different benefits that are available to clergy and lay employees of the Conference. There will be time for questions as well. The schedule through December is below. Registration is available below or on the Calendar page.

• What are all those extra benefits about (Virgin Pulse, Omada, etc.)?
  Wed., Sept. 25, 2024 - 11:30 a.m. 
  Todd Creviston from Wespath will help us understand them and how they can benefit our health and well-being. Register here.
• Health Insurance Options
  Wed., Oct. 23, 2024 - 11:30 a.m. 
  Open Enrollment is coming...... what are the plans and how do I choose? Register here.
• Getting Ready for Tax Season
  Wed., Nov. 20, 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
  What clergy need to know about taxes. Register here.
• Spiritual Health
  Wed., Dec. 18, 2024 - 11:30 a.m.
  Join us for a very special lunch and learn time dedicated to Spiritual Health. We will celebrate Advent and take a breather from the busyness of the season. Register here.