INSIGHTS for December 2024

1. UMPIP Contribution forms for any changes effective January 1^st, 2025, are due to the Conference Benefits Office no later than December 20.
2. The Lunch and Learn for December is on Tuesday, December 17^th at 11:30 a.m., it’s a special Advent Retreat! (link below)
3. Happy “HEALTHY?” Holidays? Looking for ways to enjoy the season but also be (somewhat) healthy? (See article below)
4. Benefits Audit ongoing. We are sending out balances due to the Conference for clergy (and lay employee) benefits. These emails are going out through mid-December. Please contact Cheryl Weaver, CBO, with any questions.

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UMPIP CONTRIBUTION SHEETS FOR 2025 DUE BY DEcember 20^th

If you wish to update your UMPIP contribution for January 2025, please return the form to the Benefits office of your Conference by December 20^th.  Need a form?

UMPIP Contribution Form 

LUNCH and LEARNS

The Lunch and Learns have become popular. We will continue them in 2025, BUT I need your input! What topics are you interested in? What day of the week works best?  Please check out the short survey and let me know!

Complete a short survey  

For December, we are having a SPECIAL Lunch and Learn on Tues., Dec.17 at 11:30 a.m.
It will be an online Advent retreat, with time for prayers, a devotion, and maybe just some quiet space. Join us!

December Lunch and Learn Registration

Healthy Holiday tips (at least we can try, right?)

‘Tis the season of trying to do it all, have it all, be full of joy (or not)! Many folks struggle with the holiday season in general. It can bring up painful memories, maybe the holidays weren’t so magical as a child, maybe the lack of sunlight depresses us. It’s a complicated season for many. It can also be an unhealthy season. I, for one, do not pretend to have any answers for you, but I have been researching, baking, talking to a therapist (and a spiritual director) trying to glean ideas for all of us and I wanted to share a few here with you.

1. NUMBER 1 on the list of everyone I talked to was to remember that you are enough. Full stop. Just the way you are. You do not have to do it all, be it all, etc. Create manageable expectations, learn to say “no” to things that do not work for you, do not compare your life to those you see on social media.
             I found this article from Brene Brown on being stressed and overwhelmed.
2. Hold space. Keep unscheduled time in your calendar. Hard to do when you pastor a church, I know. But maybe you don’t have to attend every function. Talk to your SPRC and tell them what you can realistically do. Other leaders in the church can also represent. 
3. Reach out if you need help with any mental or emotional struggles. There are lots of resources available for you.
        Check out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administratio website www.samhsa.gov 
4. Move. Move your body to the best of your ability. Christmas Carol dance party, anyone?
           I use HASFit. Some are chair workouts, others are HIIT. Most are not that long.
           Here’s a fun Christmas Song medley Zumba workout that will at least make you laugh!
                        (and it’s less than 5 mins)
5. Eat Healthy. Ahhhh, Sugarplums! All the wonderful sweet and delicious food that comes with the holidays. (and not to mention everyone loves to give the pastor a cookie plate!) So, what do you do? First, it is the time of year when we indulge. It’s over-indulging that gets us. I’ve found some ways to try and minimize the unhealthy and still enjoy my favorite treats.
        Some tips:
   1. Plan ahead. If you know you are going to be at a holiday event where the food is less than healthy, make space for that by watching the rest of your food intake for the day. Or eat something healthy before you go. (carrot sticks, anyone?) I use the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time try to eat healthy, 20% of the time, don’t worry about it!
   2. Remake your favorite recipes. There are so many sites online that feature healthier options for your favorites. I personally love Home - Chocolate Covered Katie. She has so many options for treats that are flexible and use gluten-free or non-dairy ingredients. Her Crustless Pumpkin Pie is a favorite in our house (even my husband loves it).
6. Sites with even more tips for you
   1. Journey to Wellness: Healthy Holidays - Mayo Clinic Health System
   2. Holiday Stress? Try Our Top 5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season | American Heart Association
   3. The Most Difficult Time of The Year: Mental Health During the Holidays | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Hopefully there is something in all of this you can use! From all of us in Benefits to you and yours we are wishing you whatever you need this holiday season- whether it’s peace, joy, love, hope, or just rest.

Blessings!

Cheryl and Lameise