Issue 41 of Administration Matters

2015 ELCA Youth Gathering live stream
The 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering is happening in Detroit right now, July 15-19. You can be part of this witness to God’s redeeming cycle of life-death-life a​gain (Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.) by following the live stream at http://www.ELCA.org/gathering. You can also participate with the young people by using their daily devotions called First 15 and Final 15. They can be found on the same website or you can download the Gathering app.

ELCA receives federal charter to open credit union
On July 7, 2015, an ELCA Federal Credit Union was chartered! Created to provide low-cost financial services to members and ministries of the ELCA, the credit union will open in the first quarter of 2016. >More

Preparing for disaster – a guide for Lutheran congregations
This Congregational Disaster Preparedness Guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to create a comprehensive plan in case of a disaster and help equip your congregation to respond after a disaster strikes. Created by Lutheran Disaster Response, the intent of this resource is to help your congregation take basic and important steps to serve your communities. (This 101-page document may take a little while to download. Please be patient.)​ ​>More

Be a good steward – pay your Portico bill online
By using Portico’s online bill pay, you’re helping to lower the cost of bill processing. It’s simple, it improves accuracy, your payment is applied to your account faster, you can schedule a payment up to 60 days in advance, your retirement account contributions are deposited and invested faster, and it saves postage and paper. By paying online, we all help to make the most of church resources. >More

Insurance recordkeeping
The wise congregation invests valuable stewardship dollars in insurance coverage. The wiser congregation protects that investment by keeping thorough records of that coverage. >More

ELCA Mission Builders
Is your congregation planning a new building or adding to an existing building? If so, then you might want to consider the option of using ELCA Mission Builders to provide management and skilled labor for your project. Over the past 25 years, Mission Builders have completed 157 church building projects across the ELCA.

Normally, Mission Builders can rough-in the building, raise joists, walls and roof trusses, frame and install windows and doors and side the building. Plumbing, electrical and HVAC installation is handled by subcontractors. Mission Builders also share in the spiritual life of the congregation during their time of service. The congregation agrees to serve as general contractor, provide volunteers, and pay Mission Builders a modest fee for their services. Since most Mission Builders live in their own RVs, the congregation is also expected to provide a place where they can park on the building site.

Through the efforts of Mission Builders, congregations get new facilities with cost savings and a unique sense of ownership. Those involved in Mission Builders receive a host of new friendships and the reward of helping others and serving God. >More

Issue 40 of Administration Matters

ELCA Youth Gathering
Registration for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering closes today, May 15. 30,000 youth and adult volunteers will “Rise Up Together” with the people of Detroit to create something new in Jesus’ name. You can support the work of ELCA youth in Detroit by contributing toward the purchase of supplies for the service projects. Go to www.elca.org/gathering for giving opportunities. This is also the site for the live stream from the Youth Gathering starting Wednesday, July 15 through Sunday, July 19. >more

Portico to attend 2015 ELCA synod assemblies
Portico Benefit Services will attend most of this year’s synod assemblies, talking about the ways congregations, leaders and Portico share the work of strengthening resilient leaders who shape healthy faith communities. Stop by their table with comments or questions about your ELCA benefits.

Make your mark
Road markers are a practical, inexpensive way to tell people about your congregation and direct visitors to worship. Working with a contracted vendor (NPN360), special pricing is available. >more

Solar panels
With energy costs on the rise, many congregations are looking for ways to reduce their ongoing bills. >more

Guidelines and screening help keep volunteers safe
Congregations count on volunteers, but can volunteers count on congregations to help keep them safe? >more

Inform and inspire with effective emails
An email marketing service helps you build stronger relationships with your congregation members by keeping them informed. ELCA Advantage program partner Constant Contact offers discounts (20 percent for six-month prepay, 30 percent for 12-month prepay) to ELCA congregations and agencies. You can benefit from reliable email delivery and beautiful, ready-to-use templates by signing up for a free trial today. >more