The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ (PBUCC), a founding member of The Interfaith Center for Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), is taking significant steps toward action on gun violence in America. Gun violence, particularly school shootings, is a concern shared by over 300 faith community members of the organization.

By Rev. Jill E. Olds*

It sounds rather daunting when I put it that way, doesn’t it?  I mean, that term can reference a few different things in our church context.  Of course, it can refer to the season of autumn that is upon us.  Or, it can refer to the concept that all of humanity is broken in some way, in need of being raised up by Jesus.

This week the Member Education staff of The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ, Inc. (PBUCC), hosted several United Church of Christ (UCC) members from the Middle Atlantic region for an all-day Pre-Retirement Seminar. The Seminar, held Wednesday, October 24, 2018, at PBUCC’s office in New York City, provided information and tools for retirement readiness for actively-contributing Annuity Plan members over 50 years of age.

Q:  What is the minister’s housing allowance?

A:  A minister's housing allowance (sometimes called a parsonage allowance or a rental allowance) is excludable from gross income for income tax purposes but not for self-employment tax purposes.  It is an amount officially designated  (in advance of payment) as a housing allowance, and in reasonable payment for services rendered as a minister. Certain amounts, subject to IRS rules, may be excludable from gross income on the minister’s federal tax return. See www.irs.gov for more information regarding the tax implications of the housing allowance.