Vol. XXI, Issue 35

July 7, 2022

Disaffiliation Information—Video and Podcast Explain Pension Withdrawal Liability Payment

In a new video, Wespath's Martin Bauer and Dale Jones offer easy-to-understand answers to the complex, multi-layered questions related to pension plan funding and the withdrawal liability payment. Understanding the nuances of long-term pension funding is critical as some local churches and UMC clergy consider disaffiliation.

We encourage you to watch this video and share it with others in your conference. This 18-minute video addresses these and other questions:

The video is here and posted to Wespath's disaffiliations webpage. A podcast version is also available. Please feel free to share theses links via social media and post to your conference webpage.

Markets In Review—What Happened in the First Half of 2022

In this review of 2022 to-date, Managing Director Joe Halwax provides perspective around the markets' downturn, including an in-depth look at the highest inflation in 40 years, the probability of a recession, stocks in bear market territory, the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes, double-digit bond losses, and how the Wespath balanced fund stacks up. Read Joe's full commentary here.

Church Pension Group Hosts PSLF Webinar

The Church Pension Group of the Episcopal Church will host an informational webinar on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program on September 7, 2:00 to 3:15 pm, Eastern time—and clergy and lay from all denominations are welcome. Featuring Scott Filter from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the webinar will walk through the requirements for employees who work for religious and not-for-profit organizations, as well as the process for getting credit for current/past employment towards the 120 months needed for loan forgiveness. This webinar is timely, as the PSLF application deadline is October 31, 2022. Register here.

Please circulate this information! Can't make it to this webinar? Want to learn more sooner? Click here for a recording of Wespath's PLSF webinar from May 9.

Last Chance to Nominate an Individual of Excellence!

Wespath's Board of Directors will accept nominations for the Charles L. Calkins Award until midnight, July 15, 2022. Individuals for this award are nominated for extraordinary contributions, visionary leadership and dedication to the values of Wespath. Eligible nominees include conference benefits officers, benefits administrators, treasurers and members of conference boards.

Click here to learn more about the award and previous recipients. This year's award will be presented at the October Board of Directors meeting. To nominate an individual, complete this form and attach it to an email to rsmith-edmondson@wespath.org.


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