Issue 44 of Administration Matters

Church property loss
Disasters are unforeseen and unpredictable. If your property is damaged or destroyed, you will likely have many questions and be faced with many decisions. Concerns about a temporary location, emergency repairs, and the costs of restoring or rebuilding can be overwhelming. >More

10 tips for better congregation announcements
Congregation announcements are an important part of the Sunday morning experience for most members. They often include information about happenings in the congregation that week, upcoming events for the month, and any reminders that members may need to know. >More

Toward a better congregation council meeting
A few good practices can give a council a joy-filled sense of mission, which, in turn, can lead to renewal in the congregation. This article is from the blog of the Northeastern Iowa Synod. >More

Slips and falls on steps and stairs
Slips, trips and falls account for 15 percent of all accidental deaths, second only to automobile fatalities. The risk of falling, and fall-related problems rise with age and are serious issues in homes and communities. >More

ELCA endorsed insurance program for congregations and synods
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)-Endorsed Property and Liability Insurance Program is committed to providing ELCA congregations and synods with quality insurance protection and enhanced customer service. This commitment is reflected in the selection of Church Mutual as the preferred insurance provider by the ELCA Office of the Secretary in consultation with the Office of the Treasurer. No other company specializing in the protection of ministries offers Church Mutual’s expertise, financial strength and record of outstanding customer service. >More

Submit your parochial report!
2015 parochial reports are due on Feb. 15. These reports are vital to the ELCA’s commitment to improving its efforts of spreading the good news and are used in allocating the ELCA’s resources to synods and congregations. Did you know that the information you submit (or do not submit) in your parochial report goes into your congregation’s trend report, which is publicly available online? Seekers looking for your congregation can see not only the information you submit but also whether the congregation has submitted parochial reports. Please submit the report so that visitors can learn more about you. >More

IRS mileage allowance
The Internal Revenue Service has issued the 2016 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. >More

Issue 43 of Administration Matters

​‘Stories of Faith in Action’ is now available
“Stories of Faith in Action” is a free, annual publication that highlights how God is changing lives through Mission Support, the percentage of your congregational offering that is shared with your synod and the churchwide organization. Free copies of “Stories of Faith in Action” are now available for order—all you have to cover is shipping. You can also download associated resources, including a “How to use” guide and bulletin inserts. >More

Organizing and administering congregational annual meetings
As congregational annual meetings approach, perhaps you are wondering how you can run a great meeting that is engaging for participants, productive for your congregation and a great investment of everyone’s time. >More

New ACA reporting requirement takes effect in 2016
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), when individuals file their 2015 income tax return, they must prove for the first time that they’ve maintained minimum essential health coverage throughout the year—or face a financial penalty (unless Medicare is their primary coverage). ELCA-Primary health coverage qualifies as minimum essential coverage, and Portico is managing this reporting requirement on behalf of plan members. Note: Additional ACA reporting requirements will apply to Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), generally organizations that have, on average, at least 50 full-time equivalent employees. >More
CapinCrouse LLP is the internal audit provider for the ELCA churchwide organization. You may want to read their related article: “Reporting Health Plan Coverage to Employees & the IRS.” >More

ELCA Federal Credit Union update
The ELCA Federal Credit Union is on track for opening its doors in 2016. As a financial institution rooted in your faith community, we look forward to serving you. Stay up-to-date on our progress. Visit our early-stage website at www.elcafcu.org and register to be notified as we prepare to open for business in 2016. >More

Weather protection for your ministry
Don’t be caught unprepared! When it comes to weather, are your church building and vehicles ready for whatever the next winter might bring? >More

In-kind donations
An in-kind gift consists of goods or services that are provided by the donor. Congregations can benefit greatly from such donations. >More

Winter checklist
Protecting your church property during the coldest months of the year is important, whether your climate is extreme or mild. Use this checklist to inspect, evaluate and move forward with needed maintenance. >More

Issue 42 of Administration Matters

​Serving on your Congregation Council
Looking for leadership position descriptions for Congregation Council and officers? Here are some suggestions that could be added to your congregation’s bylaws. They can also be presented as covenants to sign. >More

Don’t get burned by a roofing contractor
Need roof repairs or replacement? Be careful. Here are several important ideas for getting the job done safely and professionally. >More

Congregational mission planning
As people of faith, we trust that God is doing a new thing in the world and we long to be part of this work. Mission planning is the process of discovering how your congregation is called to live as the body of Christ. Equipping congregations to create mission plans is one of the highest priorities of our church. On this page, you’ll find resources that have been created across the ELCA as well as by other sources to help your ministry create a mission plan that fits your gifts and context. >More

Prepare for Portico’s 2016 annual enrollment
It’s time for your organization to consider which ELCA-Primary health benefit option to provide in 2016. Use your congregation’s Custom Comparison Report on EmployerLink to determine which option will best meet the needs of your plan members, your organization, and the ministry you share. >More

Church rain gardens help control flooding, improve watershed quality
Rain gardens are not only an attractive addition to your church property, but are also good for the local watershed. They mimic nature in places where pavement gets in the way and assist in keeping water away from church structures. >More

Make beautiful music with a well-maintained pipe organ
Pipe organ music can uplift a congregation, but the instruments are complex mechanisms that need regular maintenance. >More

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