Issue 57 of Administration Matters
ELCA Directory is now online
The 2018 ELCA Yearbook is now online and known as the ELCA Directory. Just as the printing press changed the world during Martin Luther’s time, so are the digitization of data and the internet changing the way we publish and access information. This digital, online solution will provide the same content as the ELCA Yearbook with added features of accessing the information from any computer (including mobile devices), filtering and annual reporting. Find this free resource at https://directory.ELCA.org.
May 15 is an important ELCA Youth Gathering deadline!
- Registration fees must be paid in full. To check your congregation’s balance, log in to your congregation’s registration account and print the payment letter. Don’t forget to make sure checks are mailed to the correct address in Hagerstown, Md., – many checks have been mistakenly sent to our old P.O. box in St. Louis!
- Hotel reservation forms and deposits are due to your hotel! The reservation form can also be found on your congregational account. If you would like to request housing assignment changes, you must email gathering@elca.org. Hotels are not authorized to increase or decrease your assigned rooms or change the room type (e.g., a king for a double).
Tithe.ly
Enable members of your congregation to give in seconds using Tithe.ly’s suite of giving tools. Online, mobile and text giving are quick and easy. The ELCA churchwide organization has negotiated special pricing for ELCA congregations using these giving and engagement tools. Learn more about Tithe.ly and the special ELCA offer today. >More
Updated Hammar tax guides now available through Portico
Portico Benefit Services offers the set of annually updated Richard R. Hammar tax guides at no cost to pastors and congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program.
- “Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches” helps congregations understand federal reporting requirements. The 2018 version includes Hammar’s extensive analysis of the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 on congregations and staff.
- “Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide” gives special attention to tax-related topics relevant to ministers.
Find links to these guides on both EmployerLink and myPortico.
ELCA-endorsed property and liability insurance program
Did you know that over 3,200 congregations and 48 synods are currently insured by the ELCA Endorsed Property and Liability Insurance Program underwritten by Church Mutual Insurance Co.? The program offers competitive rates, excellent claims services and other valuable features such as its sensor program to help further protect your property. For more information, please refer to this link concerning the ELCA endorsement and to this brochure further explaining the program. Obtaining a quote is easy. Just call 800-554-2642 and select option 1. >More.
How to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and use generators correctly
Backup generators can provide an emergency power supply enabling you to keep important equipment running during a power outage. It’s important to make sure generators are properly installed and operated to prevent health and safety risks for you, your staff and members of your congregation. Remember: Carbon monoxide is an invisible, poisonous gas. Make sure that there is proper ventilation and do not operate your portable generator in any closed space. Installation of carbon monoxide detectors is critical to avoid deadly accidents. >More
Save money while saving the planet: ENERGY STAR for congregations
Did you know that most congregations can cut energy costs by up to 30% by investing strategically in efficient equipment, facility upgrades and maintenance? There is a well-known, but under-utilized program that can help congregations do this. Join this webinar during the afternoon of March 28th for an overview of how congregations can make optimal use of EPA tools such as Portfolio Manager, which can benchmark and track energy and water use as well as savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. >More
