Issue 35 of Administration Matters
Mission Investment Fund offers the expertise of church building consultants
Is your congregation or ministry considering a building project? The experienced church building consultants of the Mission Investment Fund can get you started in the right direction. MIF church building consultants help plan building programs that support the congregation’s or ministry’s mission. These experts evaluate existing facilities, encourage best practices in church design, suggest sustainable building practices and explain lending options. >more
Portico long-term care insurance opportunity
Thanks to the collective buying power of ELCA plan members, they and eligible family members can apply for discounted long-term care insurance through LTC Financial Partners and Transamerica. Having this insurance can help you manage the costs of long-term care should you need it in the future. Those who qualify will purchase directly from Transamerica; sponsoring employers won’t play an administrative or financial role. >more
Safety guidelines for offering Wi-Fi to your congregation
There are many benefits to offering free wireless Internet access to your congregation — but they don’t come without risks. Putting a plan in place to reduce those risks is one way to help ensure a safe and secure Internet experience for all. >more
A first aid kit can make all the difference
If well stocked and properly utilized, a first aid kit can help you handle a variety of minor emergencies. >more
Social Security tax for clergy
Clergy are considered self-employed for purposes of Social Security and Medicare taxes, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) applies special rules when dealing with clergy taxes and withholdings. >more
Online giving – automating our commitments
Online giving is a tool that can help us grow into habits and commitments. The ELCA is trying to encourage more congregations that are not already offering online giving options to take the plunge and get going. Funds have been set aside to cover the first year monthly fees for up to 100 congregations on a first-come, first served basis to start offering online giving through Vanco, the long-time partner with Thrivent in the Simply Giving Program. There are no set-up fees or long-term contracts to take advantage of this offer, which runs from July 15 through September 30, 2014. >more
