By Rev. Ryan Otto

In a letter to the United Church Board of Ministerial Assistance, the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards, the Rev. Ryan Otto, Pastor First Congregational Church, Sioux Falls, SD, shares how the gift of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative has rooted and shaped his approach to life and ministry. Rev. Otto was a participant of NGLI*1, the inaugural cohort.

To the dreamers, visionaries, and leaders of the Next Generation Leadership Initiative of the Pension Boards: Thank you. Please receive my sincere gratitude for your diligent work in the inventive NGLI program, for the faith to take the risk on such a new endeavor, and for your investment in my ministry and in me as a person of faith.

I will attempt to name the gift of the ten-year NGLI program in one word: rootedness.

By Rev. Beth Abbott

The Rev. Beth Abbott, Pastor of First Congregational UCC in South Milwaukee, WI, shares how her life has been transformed during her almost-completed 10-year journey with the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI). Rev. Abbott is a participant in the inaugural cohort, NGLI*1. Read Rev. Abbot’s letter of gratitude below.

When I began Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI), the idea of a ten-year commitment to anything seemed unusual and rather long. Starting in my 20s, I had only been doing three-to-four-year chunks of schooling (college, seminary) and just dating my now husband, Rich.

The Pension Boards is pleased to announce the addition of two new Target Annuitization Date (TAD) Funds effective January 2021: TAD Fund 2045 and TAD Fund 2050. These two new TAD Funds are designed for members who expect to annuitize their accounts (convert their monies into lifetime monthly income payments) close to the year indicated in the Fund’s name.

TAD Funds are a worry-free investment choice. The Pension Boards’ investment team automatically invests the funds more for growth when you are years away from retirement, and more conservatively as you approach your anticipated annuitization date. TAD Funds are also ideal for those who do not want to constantly reallocate their investments during market fluctuations.

Your net worth and cash flow are important barometers of your financial wellness.

Your net worth is your current assets (what you own) minus your current liabilities (what you owe). Among other things, your assets include savings and investments and any property you own. Your liabilities may include housing-related debt, such as a mortgage or home equity loan; car loans; personal loans; and credit card balances.

If you owe more than you own, you have a negative net worth. If you own more than you owe, you have a positive net worth.

By Rev. Mark E. Pettis

The Rev Mark E. Pettis, Senior Minister of Manhattan Beach Community Church in California, is completing his 10-year journey with the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI), a leadership development initiative administered by the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the philanthropic arm of the Pension Boards. Read Rev. Pettis’ letter as he shares his journey and appreciation of the NGLI program.

Having just completed my participation in the “Benediction” event for NGLI*1 (the first cohort in the Next Generation Leadership Initiative), I find myself hovering in a reflective space. Spending this final, “formal” time together with my NGLI cohort reminded me of all that this wonderful program has meant for me and my ministry.