The Value of Pastoral Renewal Leave
Rev. Matthew Smith recently returned from a renewal leave. He explains that it is more than a vacation; it is a time to deepen one's relationship with God.
Posted: October 3 2024 at 12:00 AM
Author: Rev. Cheryl Weaver, NIC Conference Benefits Officer
INSIGHTS FOR OCTOBER 2024
- OPEN ENROLLMENT for 2025 medical coverage for active participants on the Healthflex plan is coming, Oct. 30-Nov. 14.
- The ALEX Benefits Counselor is LIVE and updated for 2025. You can use ALEX to estimate costs and receive a personalized recommendation for 2025 HealthFlex elections. ALEX is available throughout the annual election period and participants can visit as often as they would like, but they must make their election directly in Benefitsolver during the election period. Visit ALEX or find a link on your account on the Benefits Access site beginning mid-October.
- The OptumRx pricing tool is also up and running. It can be found here. The final 2025 preventive drug list and 2025 pricing will be added in mid-October, but even now, it will provide a solid estimate on how the member share may vary for certain drugs between plans—especially for the HSA plans! Participants can use this to estimate their out-of-pocket costs for medications.
- Check your UMPIP Contribution amount (see below).
Review your UMPIP Contribution As We Look Ahead to COMPASS
You may have received encouragement from Wespath to start reviewing your UMPIP contribution in preparation for the transition to our new pension program, COMPASS. Please consider making a personal contribution of at least 4 percent of your salary, if you aren't already doing so. Once COMPASS begins in 2026, you can receive a full match of up to 4 percent of your contributions.
Wespath can help if you determine how a 4 percent contribution would affect your budget. If you start now by making a small increase (say, 1 percent more), you will be working toward that full 4 percent. You can change your contribution amount at any time by completing a change form.
Changes must be received in the conference benefits office by the 25th of the month to be effective for the 1st of the following month.
Learn more in the document here.
OPEN ENROLLMENT EDUCATION
Attend the benefits office Lunch and Learn on Oct. 23 at 11: 30 a.m..
Open Enrollment and Benefits Educator Todd Creviston will answer questions and demonstrate the tools.
Register here.
More Upcoming Wespath Webinars:
- Annual Election Overview: Oct. 22, 1:30-3 p.m.
Webinar Registration on Zoom - Prescription Coverage Overview and Q&A: Oct. 29, 2-3 p.m.
Webinar Registration on Zoom - Dental Coverage Overview and Q&A: Oct. 31, 10-11 a.m.
Webinar Registration on Zoom
Remember, Active Health Insurance Open Enrollment is Oct. 30-Nov. 14.
Renewed Focus on Clergy Health and Well-Being
Here in the conference benefits office we are starting conversations on a renewed focus on clergy health and well-being. Since COVID, the landscape of pastoring a local congregation has changed. The idea of flourishing in ministry is, for some, seems to be an unattainable goal. Well-being or flourishing in life and in ministry looks different for everyone. We’re going to start with a short survey in mid-October to gauge the health of our clergy as well as what resources you might find helpful specific to the Northern Illinois Conference. Watch your inbox for the survey. If you have any questions, please contact the benefits office at (608) 478-4609.
CLERGY WELL-BEING WEBINARS
Wespath is also offering webinars on clergy well-being sessions. In these sessions, you will learn more about the five dimensions of well-being (financial, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social), the current state of each dimension based on Wespath’s Clergy Well-Being Survey results, and resources available to you. Your input on clergy well-being is essential. Please join this ongoing conversation.
- Oct. 24, 1-2 p.m.: Physical and Emotional Well-Being. Register Now
- Nov. 7, 1-2p.m.: Spiritual and Social Well-Being. Register Now