Wholeness resources from the Board of Pensions

Board Connections: Wholeness Edition May 19, 2021 In our mental health awareness issue, the Reverend Dr. Jason Whitehead discusses how the past year has affected our emotional well-being. Boost your resiliency and be kind to yourself. Help someone close who may be struggling with a mental health issue. Find out what stroke risk factors you can control and improve on. Protect yourself with our six tips if you plan to travel this summer. And register for a new Board University webinar. Taking care of your mental health in uncertain times In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Reverend Dr. Jason Whitehead, coach and counselor at Mosaic Insight, discusses how the events of the past year have affected all of us and the importance of cultivating communities and meaningful social connections as we re-engage with the world.   PLAY VIDEO Board University Wholeness Moments feature a dimension of wholeness: spiritual, health, financial, or vocational. Stroke risk factors you can control and improve  Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability — but it doesn’t have to be. Learn to recognize the warning signs and know what to do if you or a loved one is having a stroke as well as how to reduce your risk.   Six tips for safe travel this summer If you plan to travel this summer, watch this video for tips to protect yourself and others from exposure to COVID-19.    The Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), administered by Cigna, offers resources for self-care, including tips for managing stress or anxiety, building resilience, dealing with grief or trauma, and more. Learn more.     How to help someone who is struggling with a mental health issue It can be difficult to know what to say when a loved one is struggling with a mental health issue. These tips from Cigna Behavioral Health can help guide you through a supportive and sensitive conversation.      Register today for the June 10 Caring for the Caregiver webinar This webinar will explore how prioritizing self-care and a resilient attitude can make a difference. It will also discuss how to set limits, deal with family dynamics, and get help when you need it.   We're committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3928 Questions? Call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

The latest news from the Board of Pensions

Board Connections March 3, 2021 In this issue of Board Connections, learn Anne Marie Mazzone's story and why she serves at the Board of Pensions. Our President, the Reverend Frank Clark Spencer, writes about how the Lord’s work goes on, even in difficult circumstances. Explore tax resources provided by the Employee Assistance Plan. If you have a flexible spending account, find out if you can benefit from new flexibility. And sign up to learn how to be your own healthcare advocate.      From our President: Strong and growing stronger As Paul instructed, we are steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord. (1 Cor 15:58)   READ MORE     Anne Marie Mazzone serves as the Director of Financial Operations at the Board of Pensions. Learn why she serves in this video.   PLAY VIDEO Tax Guide for Ministers for 2020 returns available ​The Tax Guide for Ministers for 2020 returns, including the 2020 housing allowance letter, is now available. Log on to Benefits Connect and look for Quick Links to access the guide. This guide will no longer be printed and mailed. If you need assistance finding, downloading, or printing the guide, call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN). 2020 Investment Review now available Despite the markets’ volatility in 2020, the Board of Pensions Balanced Investment Portfolio performed well.     ​Benefit from new flexibility in FSAs As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, you may be able to use money in your FSA that you otherwise could have lost.     Five things to know when filing your 2020 federal tax return Here are some key issues to consider when filing taxes this year. If you're unclear about the tax implications for your financial situation, the Employee Assistance Plan can help.     Webinar: Be your own advocate Register for Board University’s Being Your Own Healthcare Advocate webinar, on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Participants will learn essential information needed to effectively advocate for their care and to identify resources to help ensure they receive the best possible care and support.  REGISTER NOW We're committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-3928 Questions? Call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

Wholeness resources from the Board of Pensions

Wholeness resources for members and employers of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) February 18, 2021

We offer benefits and programs that foster the wholeness of our members by focusing on four key areas: spiritual, health, financial, and vocational. In this issue of Board Connections, learn about Gail Kennedy's story and why she serves at the Board of Pensions. Discover a path to healing with Board University's Wholeness Moment. Unearth some heart-healthy habits during American Heart Month. And take some time to think about the future of your finances.    Gail's story   Gail Kennedy serves as the Continuous Improvement Lead at the Board of Pensions. Watch this video to learn why she serves.   This Lenten season consider joining the Lenten Discipline Call to Health challenge. This weekly challenge encourages you to take time for self-examination and spiritual growth. And as you work toward wholeness, you can share your reflections with colleagues on the Call to Health social feed.    The hope and healing of lament   The Reverend Dr. Byron A. Wade talks about how spending time in mourning and grief after a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one or a crisis in the church or family, can help us on our path to wholeness and healing.   Show your loved ones you care during American Heart Month   During American Heart Month, have a heart-to-heart with those you love about healthy habits and how your medical benefits can help. ​ Watch video Read article   Saving a little more now can make a big difference later   Many people know they need to get more serious about their finances but aren't sure where to begin. America Saves Week offers tools, tips, and more to help you get started.    Tax Guide for Ministers for 2020 returns available    The Tax Guide for Ministers for 2020 returns, including the 2020 housing allowance letter, is now available. Log on to Benefits Connect and look for Quick Links to access the guide. This guide will no longer be printed and mailed. If you need assistance finding, downloading, or printing the guide, call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).   Register now for Board University’s Being Your Own Healthcare Advocate webinar, on Thursday, March 11, 2021. Participants will learn essential information needed to effectively advocate for their care and to identify resources to help ensure they receive the best possible care and support.

Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 2000 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103-3928 Questions? Call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

Tax Guide for Ministers now on Benefits Connect

The Tax Guide for Ministers for 2020 Returns is now available on Benefits Connect. The tax guide is an important resource for ministers and their tax advisers. The guide includes a refresher on the housing allowance. The section Tax Highlights for 2020 includes key individual tax provisions of COVID-19 relief and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including the standard deduction increases effective for 2020 and other changes that may be of interest. Additional information on the effect of the CARES Act and SECURE Act on 403(b)(9) plan distributions is included in Part 3 of the guide. In our ongoing effort to maintain the health and safety of Board of Pensions employees by reducing the staff needed in our office to handle mailings, as well as to continue to be good stewards of resources, the Tax Guide for Ministers will no longer be printed and mailed to all ministers. However, if you or your tax adviser needs a paper copy of the guide, call the Board of Pensions at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN) Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Using Benefits Connect is easy Benefits Connect is the Board’s benefits website that gives you access to information about your benefits and access to the Tax Guide for Ministers for 2020 Returns and Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches for 2021. If you’re not already using Benefits Connect, registering is easy. Visit pensions.org and click on the Benefits Connect Login at the top of the page. You will need your name, birth date, Social Security number, and ZIP code to get started.

Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 2000 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103-3928 Questions? Call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

Wholeness resources from the Board of Pensions

Wholeness resources for members and employers of The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) January 19, 2021

7 ways to get active at home   Need some inspiration to get moving during the winter months? Here are seven ways you can get active at home. Read the article Watch the video   Meet Jay Elliott   Rufus (Jay) Elliott serves as the Customer Engagement Lead in Plan Operations at the Board of Pensions. Learn why he serves.   5 tips for getting the most out of your healthcare FSA   If you are enrolled in a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA), you can use the funds in your account on a variety of eligible expenses. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you use your FSA this year.   What is wholeness?   When we are whole in all areas — spiritual, health, financial, and vocational — we are able to live our best lives and to flourish.   New prescription ID cards from Express Scripts   Effective January 1, 2021, Express Scripts is the new pharmacy benefits manager for the prescription drug program for those with medical coverage through the Board of Pensions. A second set of welcome packages has been sent from Express Scripts with a new ID card. If you receive two sets of cards, you can keep the duplicates for you and any covered family members to use or simply destroy them. If you have not yet received your welcome package, you can register and log on to the Express Scripts website to download and print an ID card. You can also use the Express Scripts mobile app to access a virtual ID card. Or, call Express Scripts at 800-344-3896 to request a new card. Retired members should call 877-856-4694.    Expanded access to assistance grants    In keeping with the Board’s ongoing efforts to serve more with benefits that support wholeness, eligible members enrolled in either medical coverage through the Board or the Defined Benefit Pension Plan may now be eligible for Adoption Assistance and Transition-to-College Assistance grants.    Register now for Board University’s annual tax webinar, on Thursday, February 11, 2021. This webinar focuses on tax updates and tips for actively employed members, including clergy.

Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 2000 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19103-3928 Questions? Call us at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).