Index of May 2020 Issue

Issue 70 of Administration Matters

COVID-19 resources for ELCA congregations and members

With the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States and around the world, our church and its leaders continue to minister to its members, to those who are hurting and searching for peace, and to those in need. Resources are available to help congregations and members stay connected and resilient during this crisis. Visit ELCA.org/publichealth for online worship best practices, FAQs regarding government assistance programs, video messages from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and resources to help you practice your faith at home.

Online giving helps sustain ministry while congregation’s members worship from home

This past year, ELCA congregations received more than $100 million in electronic giving through a combination of mobile, web, text and kiosk. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most congregations are worshiping online and unable to pass the offering plate. As a result, electronic giving is more important than ever to sustain your ministries. The ELCA has two preferred vendors for online giving: Tithe.ly and Vanco. Special pricing accompanies each agreement, and the sign-up process is quick and easy so you can start receiving online gifts within days.
• For more information on Tithe.ly, visit https://get.tithe.ly/elca or contact 424-228-8914 or elca@tithe.ly
• For GivePlus, powered by Vanco, visit www.giveplus.com/elca or contact 855-910-6066 or sales@vancopayments.com.

Your COVID-19 source for benefit information

Portico’s online COVID-19 resource pages provide members and sponsoring employers with up-to-date information on health benefits, investment performance, and market behavior, as well as government action affecting ministry organizations and those they employ. Health benefit members can find updated information on testing, treatment, home delivery for long-term maintenance prescription drugs, and emotional support.
For ELCA sponsoring employers
For ELCA plan members
Portico’s public website

Information Security for congregations and synods

Chris Hueneke, information security advisor for the ELCA churchwide organization, hosted a webinar on April 21, covering these topics: how to avoid phishing email attacks, protect sensitive data and prevent malware infections, and what to do if your data has been breached. > More

Weather preparedness

Learn how severe weather preparedness planning can protect your grounds, property and people. Discover what to do before, during and after a storm. Remember, summer storms can strike at any time without any warning. >More

Index of March 2020 Issue

Issue 69 of Administration Matters

ELCA presiding bishop addresses concerns about COVID-19

A caring response in times of public health concerns, resources and guidelines for worship and church gatherings, as well as Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s letter to the church can be found here.

Rostered ministers gathering – July 2020

Registration is now open for the 2020 Rostered Ministers Gathering, July 20-23 in Phoenix! All ELCA rostered pastors and deacons are invited as we gather under the theme “Rekindle the Gift Within You” (2 Timothy 1:6). The gathering includes over 100 workshops, an expansive Interaction Center, daily worship and keynote presentations. Early registration is $245 (through May 20). Three conference hotels offer a rate of $139/night plus tax. A limited number of scholarships are available. Visit ELCA.org/RMG for more information.

Political activity and tax status

It is important for each congregation and its leaders to understand what political activity is permissible to maintain the congregation’s tax exemption. Being a Public Church is a guidance for churches and clergy participating in the electoral process, an effort to expand the role of the church in encouraging faithful and non-partisan voter participation by providing faith-based resources around voting. As a leader in your ministry, make sure you know what to say and do to protect yourself, your congregation and your nonprofit status. >More

ELCA technology discount program

This new resource describes discounts from trusted vendors for a variety of your congregation or synod technology needs: online giving, websites, mobile apps, messaging, church management, Microsoft software, PCs, laptops, tablets, peripherals, printers, copiers, scanners and faxes. >More

ELCA health plan takes another evolutionary step

This year’s new ELCA-Primary health benefits help members access quality health care more easily and cost-effectively, personalize their wellness journeys, and find new ways to lead resilient, healthy lives in all dimensions of the Wholeness Wheel. >More

Local travel reimbursement

This Q&A resource explains how staff can determine which local transportation expenses can be properly claimed as reimbursable and which expenses are personal. >More

Index of January 2020 Issue

Issue 68 of Administration Matters

Credit union offers valuable financial resources for ministries

The ELCA Federal Credit Union now offers a corporate credit card program and a small-loan program specifically suited to the unique needs of ELCA ministries. The ELCA Federal Credit Union World Mastercard for Ministry is a cost-effective alternative to standard corporate credit card programs, with flexible terms that include a shared/deposit-secured option. For ELCA congregations and related ministries looking to fund small projects or make purchases, the credit union extends loans of up to $50,000 at favorable rates. >More

Parochial reports

It’s time to submit the annual congregational reports! Data from these reports is used in the ELCA Digital Directory. It also assists synods and the churchwide organization in monitoring trends and planning for ministry. Easy online filing is available at elca.org/congregationreport. If you did not receive your password in the mail, you can retrieve it by calling your synod. Thank you for your participation!

2020 IRS mileage allowance

The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2020 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickup trucks or panel trucks) is:
• 57.5 cents per mile driven for business use, down one-half cent from 2019.
• 17 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down 3 cents from 2019.
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

The business mileage rate decreased one-half cent for business travel and 3 cents for medical and certain moving expenses from 2019. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged. For more information, visit the IRS website.

Do not abbreviate 2020 when dating documents

When the year 2020 is abbreviated on official forms and documents, those looking to exploit unsuspecting people can easily manipulate those numbers and leave people potentially vulnerable to fraud. >More

Tax reporting can be complicated

Portico offers the set of annually updated Richard R. Hammar tax guides at no cost to pastors or congregations participating in the ELCA benefit program. Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand federal reporting requirements. The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide gives special attention to tax-related topics relevant to ministers.

EmployerLink: updated versions available. myPortico: updated versions available.

Annual report covers

Report covers for 2020 are available now as a free download from the elca.org website and can printed as needed for meetings, devotions or other events. >More

Index of November 2019 Issue

Issue 67 of Administration Matters

Stories of Faith in Action
“Stories of Faith in Action” is an annual publication highlighting how God changes lives through the ministries funded by your congregation’s unrestricted offering of Mission Support, which is shared with your synod and the ELCA churchwide organization. The publication and the resources that go along with it are designed to share how important your weekly congregational offering is in sustaining and growing God’s mission. Stories, videos, bulletin inserts and an infographic explaining “Where Does My Offering Go?” are available at ELCA.org/SOFIA.

Tithe.ly expands online products for congregations
In March 2018 the ELCA introduced Tithe.ly as an ELCA preferred vendor for electronic giving. Featuring online, mobile and text giving options, Tithe.ly is now expanding its product line to offer website services and church management software to ELCA congregations at a low cost. Enable members of your congregation to give online, manage your membership data or freshen up your congregation’s website using Tithe.ly’s suite of tools. Get started.

Keeping data secure for remote workers
Working remotely or working from home has become one of the biggest workplace trends. Allowing staff to work remotely gives employers more options in hiring the best employees. For the employee, working from home eliminates the stress of commuting and creates more time to focus and be productive. >More

Helping out after a disaster
Weeks, months and even years after a natural disaster is no longer news, an impacted congregation will still need assistance to recover and come back stronger and better prepared for the future. If you choose to provide assistance to those in need, first consider the best way to do so. For information about the work of the ELCA’s Lutheran Disaster Response, visit its website or contact the LDR team directly at 773-380-2863.

Maintaining a parish register
These guidelines will assist pastors and other congregational leaders in keeping a parish register. >More

Boiler maintenance: A necessary cost-saver
When boilers are serviced regularly, they’re safer, more efficient and less likely to break down. Regular boiler service will reduce your energy bills and ensure that the boiler and its main components have a longer life. Should your congregation need funds for infrastructure repairs or improvements, contact the ELCA Federal Credit Union for a cost-effective loan solution either by phone at 877-715-1111 or by visiting their website. >More

Index of March 2019 issue

Issue 63 of Administration Matters

Two options for online giving for ELCA congregations (Tithe.ly and Vanco)

The ELCA churchwide organization has formed a preferred vendor agreement with Vanco, an eGiving software developer and payment processor serving more than 20,000 churches across the country. The agreement offers Vanco’s GivePlus suite of eGiving solutions to ELCA congregations. This announcement adds to the existing relationship with Tithe.ly, providing congregations and synods with a choice in their digital-giving provider. The ELCA has negotiated special pricing for congregations that sign up to use either vendor. Information on the Tithe.ly and Vanco solutions can be found on elca.org.

Reminder: The ELCA Yearbook is now paperless!

To access the most current ELCA directory, visit directory.elca.org with any web browser. Next, select a login provider and enter your credentials. Chances are you are already registered with one of our supported login-identity providers: Facebook, Google, Microsoft or Yahoo. If you have an ELCA login (ELCA community) account or an @elca.org email address, you can also use that to access the directory. If you are a rostered minister or represent a synod, congregation or other organization with a listing in the ELCA directory, now is a great time for you to review your listing to ensure that we have the most up-to-date contact information. Please notify us of any changes by emailing Conginfo@elca.org.

Let your plan members know you care

Remind ELCA-Primary health plan members that they can earn wellness dollars for using the groundbreaking 2019 Live Well tool to strengthen their physical, emotional, financial and spiritual well-being. This new online program provides nearly 100 guided activities and features a spiritual approach to wellness. >More

Split the tasks: How to keep money-handling aboveboard

One day, in the midst of leading a busy congregation, you discover that the congregation’s financial records don’t add up. It dawns on you that someone you deeply trust and have worked with for many years may be responsible. >More

Are voluntary donations to ministers gifts or taxable income?

Congregations should be aware of a recent U.S. Tax Court ruling on voluntary donations to ministers. In Felton v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo 2018-168, the court ruled that voluntary donations made to a minister in special contribution envelopes were taxable income, not nontaxable gifts. >More

Combat water damage with prevention

Water damage, whether from a natural disaster or plumbing issues, can ruin your floors, walls and ceilings. If you don’t get the place dried up quickly, you could face a severe mold problem and your furniture and other goods could be damaged beyond repair. Acting quickly and following the right steps can save your building from complete destruction and save your congregation from having to spend a lot of money on repairs. >More

Index of January 2019 issue

Issue 62 of Administration Matters

Most (but not all) congregations can avoid new nonprofit employee parking tax

A little-noticed provision of the 2017 tax reform created potential tax liability for nonprofits – including churches – that provide certain transportation fringe benefits, including parking and paid public transportation. This article provides a summary of the changes and some suggestions for minimizing or eliminating the liability. >More

Legal Checklist for Congregations Webinar

Congregations can unwittingly create legal issues and liabilities through inattention to basic requirements and details related to corporate status, taxes, property, insurance and abuse prevention. Many of these issues can be prevented by using an ELCA-prepared checklist of key items for congregations to address. Join us for a free webinar where the ELCA legal staff will discuss the checklist and best legal practices for congregations. This webinar will be of particular interest to rostered ministers and lay congregational leaders and staff, including congregation council members and officers, and church administrators. Webinar date: Feb. 21 at noon CST. Register here. Registration deadline is Feb. 15.

Tax reporting can be complicated

Portico 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 Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide gives special attention to tax-related topics relevant to ministers. Updated versions coming soon. To access, log into your Portico member or EmployerLink account.

2019 IRS mileage allowance

The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2019 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning Jan. 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) is:
• 58 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3.5 cents from the 2018 rate.
• 20 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, up 2 cents from the 2018 rate.
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.
The business mileage rate increased 3.5 cents for business travel driven and 2 cents for medical and certain moving expense from the 2018 rates. The charitable rate is set by statute and remains unchanged. For more information, visit the IRS website.

Low temperatures increase the risk of damage to frozen sprinkler systems and plumbing pipes

Contrary to what one might think, losses due to frozen pipes occur more frequently in climates that are not normally associated with cold weather, especially when unexpected cold fronts sweep through a region. >More

Slips and falls

Protect your congregation from the second-leading cause of preventable injuries by inspecting your facilities and identifying key areas that may contain trip, slip and fall hazards. Inclement or changing weather conditions can increase the chance of an accident. >More

2018 ELCA annual report cover

The ELCA covers for annual congregational reports in 2018 are now available to order. You can also download them for free. >More