Pentecost Gathering in Freeport Area Raises Hope
Hope was alive on May 31 as an intergenerational group of over 300 from 16 Freeport-area churches gathered at the Oakdale Tabernacle to celebrate Pentecost.
Posted: August 12 2025 at 02:14 PM
Author: Rev. Cheryl Weaver
Churches and clergy may start preparing now for the 2026 health insurance plan for clergy. Next year’s premium rates are now available.
Visit this page for a downloadable copy of the rates table. Northern Illinois Conference is not using the Premium Credit model for 2026. Each of the HealthFlex plans offered will have a participant cost that is set by the NIC Board of Pensions.
For the 2026 benefit updates and church benefits billing information, visit this page. It outlines the Health and Retirement benefits for 2026 and how clergy and churches will be billed. (This information was also emailed to all clergy.)
Health Check time is here! For those on HealthFlex, remember to go to Personify and complete the Health Check survey by Aug. 31 to avoid paying a higher deductible in 2026. If your spouse is on your insurance, they are required to complete the survey as well.
2026 Retirement Plan Update
Learn how to prepare for retirement with Compass, Wespath’s new retirement plan that begins on Jan. 1. Attend one of two trainings: Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m., online; or tentatively Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m., online. This one is scheduled to make it easier for clergy and church treasurers, finance teams, staff-parish relations committees, and anyone interested to attend. Links will be posted on umcnic.org/calendar in September.
Reminder: NIC offers a retirement plan for all of our churches’ clergy. Therefore, churches need not explore alternatives like the Illinois Choice Secure Program; you are covered.
For more information, contact Rev. Cheryl Weaver, conference benefits officer, or Lameise Turner, benefits administrator.
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