New York, New York May 06, 2024 - PBUCC has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2024 honor by The NewYork City Top Workplaces.
This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-partysurvey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.
According to a survey by USA Today Blueprint, the top four 2024 resolutions for Americans are saving for: a rainy-day fund, retirement, their kids’ education and a big purchase. Paying down credit card debt rounds out the top five items on Americans’ wish list.
Rely on the Pensions Boards as your trusted resource
As a UCC minister, you are called to a life of service, devoting yourself to the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of those in your congregation. This selfless commitment, however, can sometimes mean you will have to make financial sacrifices along the way. Changes in your ministry role, unexpected life events, or other personal challenges can impact your financial wellbeing and retirement plans.
For pastors, caring for the spiritual needs of elderly members of their congregations is a sacred task—a relationship of mutuality and blessing between pastor and elder. Among our pastoral colleagues, there are also those who are responsible for providing support and care to older people outside the congregation—their elderly parents.
By Rev. Bruce G. Epperly, Ph.D.
Rabbi Hillel, an older contemporary of Jesus, is known for his wise counsel. Over the years, and especially now as a member of the Medicare generation, Hillel’s words invite me to join self-care and self-affirmation with care and affirmation of others.
Have you ever considered what will happen to your loved ones after you have left this earth? It may be uncomfortable to consider, or perhaps you are so busy you have not had a chance to consider it. In either scenario, if you are reading this article, you have time to implement simple steps that will make you feel better about your ability to protect their future.
Tend to Your Family and Yourself
Thirty-seven years ago, my middle child was born. Early on, it was clear that she had special needs but it wasn’t until kindergarten that she was diagnosed with a form of autism and intellectual disability. At that time, there were fewer resources for persons with special needs than there are now. Since our now-nine-year-old grandson was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, both his health care providers and his teachers have been able to provide him and his parents with a strong support system to enable him to reach his full potential.
Imagine your long-term financial plan is a road trip and your emergency fund as a spare tire that can keep you moving if you hit a pothole.
April 29, 2024
We are pleased to announce, the United Church Board of Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA) is officially the Grant Program Administrator of the Massachusetts Board of Ministerial Aid (BMA). This exciting partnership represents an important step forward in our commitment to serving pastoral leaders who serve or have served the UCC denomination in the historic Massachusetts Conference.
BMA and UCBMA share an overlapping mission to provide for the financial security of pastors serving the United Church of Christ (UCC). BMA provides assistance for those ministers who serve or have served in the historic Massachusetts Conference. UCBMA provides similar assistance for ministers across the denomination.
By Rev. Bruce G. Epperly, Ph.D.
Two quotes capture the spirit of living a passionate retirement:
“My seventies were interesting, and fairly serene, but my eighties are passionate. I grow more intense as I age.” —Florida Scott-Maxwell
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” —Howard Thurman