Seeking ministry lay leaders to connect, learn and share
Starting Feb. 15, ministry lay leaders will be able to connect with other Synod lay leaders nationwide to exchange experience and expertise that can help support each other’s ministries.
Introducing Shareboard – a new online LCMS community where ministry lay leaders can connect, learn and share information, best practices and experiences, to help support one another nationwide. And there are no fees, no subscriptions – just register and start connecting with others!
Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up …
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Shareboard provides lay leaders a valuable resource by helping them connect with others in similar ministry roles across the Synod to ask and answer questions, as well as discuss topics around:
Paycor will be hosting virtual demonstrations of their payroll solution specifically for LCMS ministries. See their easy-to-use platform first-hand and learn how you can securely collect new hire information remotely, track employee hours digitally and more. As a preferred vendor of Concordia Plans, Paycor understands the unique needs of ministries and gives you time back in your day to focus on what matters most: your mission. Paycor will be holding this demo monthly, so you can choose the date that works best for you.
If you’re curious about HR Services, we’re offering a complimentary opportunity to access one of their valuable resources. HR Services subscribers receive a monthly newsletter featuring tips, trends and HR best practices. A limited number of complimentary newsletter subscriptions are available, so act fast!
We’ve completed the transition of our billing process from advance billing to current billing. Please pay your February invoice from Concordia Plans by the end of the month. Going forward, we’ll send your invoice for the current month and it’ll be due by the end of the month. You can access invoices and our Online BillPay system on the employer portal at ConcordiaPlans.org/MyAccount. If you have questions or need assistance, please call 888-927-7526.
CRSP 403(b) 2023 IRS Limits & Catch-Up Information
In a move to help workers save more for their retirement, the IRS has raised the annual contribution limit for 403(b) plans to a record-breaking high for 2023. The maximum amount workers can contribute to the Concordia Retirement Savings Plan 403(b) in 2023 is $22,500 or 100% of their includable compensation. For those who are age 50 or older, the catch-up contribution limit has increased to $7,500, allowing workers in this age group to contribute as much as $30,000. Tell your workers to visit their member portal to change their salary deferral amount or percentage.
All workers who were enrolled in the Concordia Health Plan during 2022 will receive a Form 1095-B. These forms are sent every year, but we want to remind you that this tax document is nothing you need to address. If your workers ask, please let them know their copies will arrive soon.
Upcoming member communications
Here’s a snapshot of the emails we’ll send your workers this month (they may also receive additional communications from our vendors):
Financial Wellness Education webinar series
Our Feb. 16 webinar is a pre-retirement workshop – always one of the most popular webinars of the year!
Meet a Financial Educator
We’ve set aside the week of Feb. 6-9 for individual Zoom appointments with our financial educators to help workers with their financial questions. Register for a 45-minute session, available each day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST.
Mental Health
Encouraging others is good for them AND you! Take part in shining your light during “Random Acts of Kindness Week,” Feb. 12-18.
Health & Wellness
Members of the Concordia Health Plan are invited to participate in a survey regarding their health benefits. This study is designed to help us understand what members know about their benefits, as well as how they feel about them.
BeFine Financial App
The BeFine Financial App was created just for LCMS workers. If you haven’t explored it yet, a tutorial from our Financial Education Team makes it easy to get started! Watch the tutorial →