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 September 2019 Issue

Issue 66 of Administration Matters

Workers’ compensation insurance
In almost every state, employers are required to buy workers’ compensation insurance, both to protect employers from lawsuits that result from workplace accidents and to provide medical care and compensation for lost income to employees hurt in workplace accidents. >More

Confidentiality and health-related information
The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act deals with health care privacy concerns. Privacy rules restrict the use of medical records and health information maintained by hospitals and other health care providers but generally do not cover ELCA congregations. >More

The inherent risk of guest Wi-Fi access at your congregation
With the myriad of wireless devices in constant use, many churches provide Wi-Fi for the convenience of employees and guests. However, this complimentary benefit can come with a heavy price if security is taken for granted. You may want to forward this information to your IT support specialist before deciding to provide Wi-Fi access to your congregation. >More

Records retention schedule for congregations
It is important to know which records and information a congregation or synod should keep and which can be removed. Some records need to be maintained permanently, and others can be discarded periodically. >More

Valuable tips to protect your identity
Identity theft has become a common problem in the United States, with an estimated 9 million people affected annually, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Here are important tips to protect your identity. >More

Index of July 2019 Issue

Issue 65 of Administration Matters

ELCA Churchwide Assembly — livestream
The ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the church’s primary decision-making event, is a process of communal spiritual discernment — a time for us to be the living body of Christ, guided by the Spirit and conformed to God’s will. Watch our livestream of the 15th Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 5 through 10.

ELCA Annual Report
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person — questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world. View or download the ELCA Annual Report – 2018 in Review video.

Political activity and tax status
501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from certain kinds of political activity, so your congregation must understand what is permissible and what is strictly prohibited in order to maintain its tax-exempt status. >More

Electrical safety — preventive maintenance
Preventive electrical maintenance is cost-effective in many ways, improves equipment efficiency and reduces utility bills. >More

Data security — protecting your congregants’ information
Data security is the critical process of protecting your congregation’s confidential information against unauthorized use. Data such as Personal Identifiable Information (PII), Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, banking information and more lie at the heart of the organization. Keeping this data protected demonstrates responsibility and increases donor confidence. >More

Spring and summer weather events: Get ready!
Each part of the country has its own warm-weather risks, so prepare your property and your people accordingly for spring and summer in your region. >More

Index of May 2019 Issue

Issue 64 of Administration Matters

ELCA Churchwide Assembly observers and volunteers
The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place Aug. 5-10 in Milwaukee, Wis. Each congregation of the ELCA may register one congregation observer. Congregation observers will be seated in the observers’ section of the plenary hall and have access to the ELCA Guidebook app as well as materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members.

Are you interested in serving as a volunteer at the assembly? In the upcoming months, the Greater Milwaukee Synod will be recruiting about 600 volunteers to greet guests at the airport, help with worship services and work as microphone pages. Learn more.

Contingency planning for congregations
Your congregation is humming along, and out of the blue — the unexpected happens. It could be a decline in offerings, a long-term bad weather situation, a natural disaster or something else. It’s important to be prepared to respond to the unexpected. >More

Legal issues — background checks
Background checks are part of the screening process for new hires. Make sure to consult with reliable sources to ensure that these checks are a useful tool. >More

Reducing legal liabilities
America is more litigious than ever before. Knowing where your organization stands in terms of its legal liabilities will help you be prepared for potential pitfalls. Liability lurks everywhere, from everyday occurrences to more inherently hazardous activities. While you may not be able to avoid all legal risk or anticipate every legal threat, there are steps you can take to reduce liability. >More

Painting and working with chemicals
Painting may expose you to potentially hazardous situations, such as chemical use, climbing ladders, slippery surfaces and more. The guide below outlines some of the hazards associated with painting and provides information on how to work safely on your project and properly dispose of any waste. >More

The inherent risk of guest Wi-Fi access at your church
With the myriad of wireless devices in constant use, many churches provide Wi-Fi for the convenience of employees and guests. However, it is important that congregations assess the security measures that should be considered when providing this benefit. Should you find the resource below to be somewhat technical, we suggest you contact your IT support person to answer any questions. >More