Skip to Main Content

August 2024 Benefit Insights

Posted: August 19 2024 at 04:00 PM
Author: Rev. Cheryl Weaver, NIC Conference Benefits Officer


Nil Benefits Insight

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 31st, 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.

News & Announcements

Emergency Solidarity Fund Logo With Space

From the Bishop: Pay Attention to Your Neighbor

With the presence of aggressive federal agents, many immigrants are afraid to go to work, visit food pantries, or take their kids to school. Missing work means losing pay. Help b…

Fearfulchild

From Bishop Schwerin: Children Under Threat

Beginning Oct. 3, Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched an operation, reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities…

Uvclogocr

United Voices for Children Recognize NIC Child Advocates

Six Northern Illinois United Methodists received awards for their outstanding ministry with children and youth. Their recognition was celebrated at United Voices for Chi…

Img 1864

Neighbors and Conference Friends Mourn ICE Victim

About 120 people gathered at First United Methodist Church in Franklin Park/Movement in the City on Sept. 19 to mourn the death of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was killed by…

Print