Missouri Union Presbytery

Achieving a healthy balance in your life is an important step in fulfilling your responsibility to Stewardship of Self, a shared commitment to your spiritual, vocational, financial, and health soundness that helps enrich the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) community.

The dues calculator—an accurate, convenient tool

Additional tools are available through Benefits Connect on Pensions.org If you have not yet registered for this secure, easy-to-use site, you can do so by logging onto the Pensions.org homepage and selecting “Register” under the Benefits Connect heading.

IRS provides temporary relief for final 403(b) regulations’ written plan requirement One of the requirements of the final 403(b) regulations is a written plan document for all 403(b) plans by January 1, 2009. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has provided relief from immediate compliance with this written plan requirement, giving plans until December 31, 2009, to adopt a plan document. However, the plan document must be retroactively effective back to January 1, 2009, when it is adopted.

Churches and employing organizations that have employees who participate in the Retirement Savings Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) still have time to submit an Adoption Agreement to the Board of Pensions. Plan sponsors and employers must complete this agreement to ensure compliance with the written plan document requirement of the new regulations.For more information, please refer to the news article on Pensions.org.

Members should continue to reference Pensions.org or call 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) with questions about the Plan. Calls will be referred to Ms. Donald as the situation warrants.

News you may have missed

• Mayo Clinic Health Assessment Reveals That Members Are Taking Action
• Pastors Invited to the National Pastors’ Sabbath
• IRS Provides Temporary Relief for Final 403(b) Regulations’ Written Plan Requirement
• 2008 Investment Review Available
• Report Service and Salary Changes to the Board of Pensions
• 2008 Report of Management
• Winter Issue of EducationTalk Available
• Secure Benefits in Uncertain Times

Retired Clergy, Spouses and Survivors are cordially invited to a lunch provided courtesy of the Board of Pensions, PC(USA) to be held at the Golden Corral, 3421 Clark Lane (near intersection of Old 63 and I-70) in Columbia on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Please RSVP to the Presbytery office 1-800-635-3178. Rev. Dr. Douglas Kelley, BOP Regional Representative, will discuss pension benefits, retirement, medical and other issues.

The average age of retired pastors is 75 with an age range from under age 50 to over 95.  There are currently 95 surviving retirees over age 95 and 348 between the ages of 91 and 95.  68% have been retired more than 10 years, 334% more than 15 years, 13% over 20 years, and 5% over 25 years. One in five retirees is female.  70% use the internet with ease.  Almost 38% of the respondents are working part-time, most less than quarter-time.  For women this was the only response that differed from their male counterparts–only 1:4 is employed. 30% have some caregiving responsibilities.  For those who have caregiving responsibilities, they are substantial and range from caring for grandchildren to spouse or other age peers.

“Stewardship of Self”, the Board’s comprehensive effort to help Plan members improve self care, was a primary focus of the 2008 Regional Benefits Consultations (RBCs). The workshops not only demonstrated the shared responsibility that Stewardship of Self represents, but used tools like a health-related quiz and pledge forms to reinforce the goal of enriching all aspects of one’s life: spiritual, vocational, health, and financial. The Board encourages every member to make a commitment to self care. “Stewardship of Self” serves as an ongoing reminder to use the Board’s benefits, programs, and services effectively for the benefit of the entire Presbyterian Church community. Stewardship of Self was introduced by Pat Haines, senior vice president of benefits, Karen Babik, director of communications, public relations, marketing, and education, and Cindy Beach, director of member education. An annual forum for updates and feedback on Board benefits and programs, the RBCs provided an ideal opportunity to share this concept and explain its future directions.

The Board of Pensions' 2007 Annual Report is now available. Go to Pensions.org or call Member Services at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) to obtain a copy. Copies also will be mailed to churches and employing organizations later this month. The 2007 Annual Report provides a window on the work we do at the Board of Pensions to support our clergy, other church workers, and their dependents who participate in the Benefits Plan. It is recommended reading for anyone who is covered by the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA) or its related programs.

The Board of Pensions rate for 2008 is 31.5% of Salary and Housing.

The Board of Pensions recently launched a new version of its Web site, Pensions.org, featuring increased functionality, expanded information, and intuitive navigation. The new site also features an abundance of new information and resources, making it the “go to” source for details on the plans, programs, and services the Board offers.Feedback is welcomed by emailing Communications@pensions.org or calling 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN)

A highlight of the site is BenefitsConnect, an online tool that provides active Plan members secure access to their personal benefits information. Not only can members submit changes to their contact information and dependent status, but they can use online calculators to estimate their pension and death benefits.

MEMBER ADVOCATE -ANNETTE DONALD–The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes that navigating the complexities of third-party providers, especially those for healthcare, can be a daunting experience for Plan members. In response, the Board has created and hired a Member Advocate to help when difficulties arise with the Medical Plan. Annette Donald has many years of service with the Board of Pensions and is knowledgeable about the Benefits Plan and its relevant administrative processes. Ms. Donald will help members understand the process for obtaining needed care, assist in communicating with third-party providers (e.g., Highmark, Express Scripts, and CareAllies) and other Board staff, and help to resolve any bureaucratic issues that might arise. For more information, see Pensions.org.

As of April 1, 2008, Liberty Mutual has taken over all disability medical claims management for Benefits Plan members previously handled by Aetna. The Board of Pensions firmly believes that as a result of this transition and our partnership with Liberty Mutual, Plan members will experience superior quality service and appreciate the efficient and professional manner in which their disability claims are managed. If you have questions about the transition or Liberty Mutual, please contact the Disability team at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN)

STEWARDSHIP OF SELF The Board of Pensions is proud to introduce Stewardship of Self, a comprehensive effort to help Benefits Plan members understand and use Board plans and programs to improve self care. Stewardship of Self is based on the premise that both the Board and its Plan members share the responsibility to enrich all aspects of one's life: spiritual, vocational, health, and financial.
Through the benefits, programs, and services provided by the Board, and the commitment by members to use these effectively, Stewardship of Self will provide much-needed outreach for the Benefits Plan and Assistance Program. The effort will thoroughly integrate the Board's communications over the coming year, enabling members to more easily take advantage of Board offerings and fulfill their responsibility for self care that benefits the entire Presbyterian community.