Directors Approve Expansion of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative

At its November 2017 meeting, the Board of Directors of the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA) discussed the future of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) in response to its recent program evaluation. UCBMA Directors overwhelmingly affirmed NGLI and gave thanks for the vitality and vigor that pastors are stirring in the United Church of Christ from the mix of coursework, field trips, and cohort engagement.

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The Church Alliance Applauds Sen. Collins and Sen. Portman for Standing Up for the Retirement Security of Clergy and Church Lay Workers

Glenview, IL, November 30, 2017 — The Church Alliance commends Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) for her introduction of an amendment to preserve important retirement security provisions for clergy and church lay workers that would be repealed by the tax reform legislation pending in the Senate. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) joined in co-sponsoring the amendment. The amendment is essential to provide employees of religiously-affiliated organizations with a meaningful opportunity to save for a secure retirement.

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Special Announcement for Connecticut UCC Non-Medicare Plan Participants

As you may be aware, the agreement between Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and Hartford Healthcare expired on September 30, 2017.

Since then, the failure of the two organizations to come to an agreement has adversely impacted the ability of UCC Health Plan participants to access hospitals, physicians, and other medical professionals within Hartford Healthcare.


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2018 FSA Debit Cards to Arrive Mid-December

The Flexible Benefit Plan for UCC Ministries, also referred to as the Flexible Spending Account or “FSA,” will be administered by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield beginning in 2018. New FSA debit cards, effective January 1, 2018, will be issued and mailed by Highmark to FSA Plan participants’ home addresses in mid-December. Please be on the lookout for your new card!

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Boost Your Credit Scores

Your credit scores, sometimes known as “FICO” scores, are used by lenders and other businesses to assess your creditworthiness and general financial reliability. Also, lenders use your scores to determine your credit limit and the interest rate you’ll be charged. While there are many different versions of your score in use, those tabulated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) are the most frequently used today

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