Summer 2019 Bridge

PENSION FUND OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

SPRING/ SUMMER 2019 BRIDGE

Rollovers: Protecting Your Future 10 and Consolidating Your Assets Stop by our booth to talk with your Area Director

July 20, 2019 7:00 p.m. 13th Check Offering Opening Evening

Let Pension Fund help you find it. SATURDAY Service

This year at General Assembly, our team of dedicated Area Directors will be on hand to help answer your questions and even enroll you or your spouse in an IRA or Benefit Accumulation July 22, 2019 Account. There are many ways to connect with us while in 7:00 a.m. Des Moines. For a full list of events or to make an appointment with Pension Fund

your Area Director, visit pensionfund.org/GA2019. MONDAY Breakfast (ticket required) Visit www.ga.disciples.org to purchase tickets to the event.

Visit www.pensionfund.org/GA2019 for full event information and to learn about our workshops. HOW TO REACH US

P.O. Box 6251 CONTENTS Indianapolis, IN 46206-6251

866.495.7322 toll free 317.634.4504 phone 317.634.4071 fax [email protected] www.pensionfund.org PensionFundChristianChurch From the President / Del Presidente PensionFundCC 2– 5

INVESTMENT CORNER Navigating the Challenges of Market Volatility ARTICLE SUBMISSIONS 6 Email your idea to FINANCIAL WELLNESS [email protected] 7 The Tax-Deferred Retirement Account

EDITORIAL STAFF Pension Fund Area Directors Emily Frische 8 Chief Marketing Officer WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW [email protected] 10 Rollovers; Ministerial Relief & Assistance Expansion Jordan Whitt Marketing Communications Director WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW [email protected] 12 Bethany Fellows; Online Events Page Meagan Miller Marketing Director Development Update [email protected] 13 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Magazine is published triannually: Winter, Spring/Summer, Fall 14 Rev. Dr. R. E. Hedgeman Entire contents © 2019 by EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT Pension Fund The Bridge Supporting Colleges and Universities unless otherwise noted on specific 16 articles. All rights reserved.

The material contained in this Wellness Spotlight publication is for informational purposes 18 only and is not to be construed as tax, financial or legal advice. Please consult In Memoriam your attorney, tax preparer or other 20 financial advisor to find out how Pension Fund’s retirement products or information contained herein will impact Remembering the Gifts your individual situation. 22 FROM THE PRESIDENT

Having just completed his third year on staff, we sat down with Pension Fund’s 9th Chief Executive, Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, to see what he has learned during his time in the chair and his vision for what’s ahead.

What have been your most significant our local congregations. Our vision of providing learnings since joining the staff? a Strong, Smart, and Secure retirement, comes First, I was surprised at the level of regulation right from our first recipient, Rhoda Jane Castle for church plans. As a result, Pension Fund must Chase. It is a compelling story, and we need to operate more like a bank, than a ministry, while do more to share it! never losing sight of our mission. We have an Finally, the ministry of presence. We are a relational Internal Auditor, Compliance Officer, we are subject church and Pension Fund needs to remain a strong to IRS review, and are very dependent on our and secure place to send your retirement resources, outside General Counsel to keep us compliant; but we also need to be out and about — we need to we also have a very clear call from the Church to be present in the life of the Church. Whether we are steward assets and resources of others in a manner seeking new business, enrollments or talking about that sets us apart from a bank or investment firm. Ministerial Relief and Assistance with donors, legacy We are truly the intersection of finance and mission donors or church leaders, you cannot substitute the in the Church. ministry of presence in the life of the Church. Second, the power of Ministerial Relief and Assistance (MRA) was another area of tremendous You mentioned that Pension Fund is learning, including the history of how we started, highly regulated as a church plan. Talk to the impact of the programs, and the possibilities us about the Board of Directors and their we have for sustaining people in ministry through governance role. MRA funded programs. In 2018, we provided more We are fortunate to have a Board of committed than $1.5 million in financial support to retired and church leaders and pastors. Among our lay board active clergy, as well as programs that partner with members we have actuaries, investment managers,

2 The Bridge 3 accountants, attorneys, bankers, and finance officers with high-level business expertise. Our Board — divided into three committees (Investment, Finance/Audit, and Membership/Benefits) — Todd Adams, Robert “Bob” Bock, and Gary Kidwell at the celebration of holds two in-person meetings Bob’s 50 years of ministry at First Christian Church of North Hollywood. per year. Additionally, the Chair, Vice-Chair, and three committee chairs comprise the Governance make up the difference, and then redistribute any and Leadership Committee. The focus of the overage with Pension Plan account holders through Board is governance — clear boundary setting fully funded Special Apportionment Credits. and accountability — while the Senior Leadership focuses on the day-to-day management. What is next for Pension Fund? We are moving toward an understanding that we How does Pension Fund “pay the bills” need to embody our logo, which includes the Greek to operate? symbols of Alpha and Omega — the beginning and Our policies allow for a budget up to 50 basis points the end. Too often, we are viewed as where you turn (BPS) of our total assets under management. In at the end of your ministry to receive a well-earned 2018, our operating expenses were 35BPS or Pension. We want to be present at the beginning $10.7 million. BPS are charged against investment — in seminary through Student Gift Membership returns — we do not charge fees to individual and throughout your ministry through the expansion member accounts. Each fall, Pension Fund staff of Ministerial Relief and Assistance to include presents a spending plan for the ensuing year new programs for active clergy and partnerships which is then reviewed in detail and approved by with congregations. Keeping clergy healthy and the Board. The expenses then flow through the in ministry is part of what it means to have a General Operating Fund, which is not tied to any mission that is For the Support of Ministry. one product, but is composed of unrestricted assets belonging to Pension Fund.

As far as the Pension Plan is concerned, for every Rev. Dr. Todd Adams 87 cents contributed, we promise to pay you $1 in retirement. It is our job to invest the assets we hold, President [email protected]

2 Spring/Summer 2019 3 DEL PRESIDENTE

Después de completar su tercer año en el personal, nos reunimos con el 9º Director Ejecutivo del Fondo de Pensiones, el Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, para ver qué ah aprendido durante su tiempo como presidente y qué esta por venir para el Fondo de Pensiones.

¿Cuáles han sido tus aprendizajes más inteligente y segura viene directamente de nuestra significativos desde que te uniste al personal? primera destinataria, Rhoda Jane Castle Chase. ¡Es Primero, me sorprendió el nivel de regulación para una historia conmovedora, y necesitamos hacer los planes de la iglesia. Como resultado, el Fondo de más para compartirla! Pensiones debe operar más como un banco, que como un ministerio, sin perder nunca de vista nuestra misión. Finalmente, el ministerio de presencia. Somos una Tenemos un Auditor Interno, Oficial de Cumplimiento, iglesia relacional y el Fondo de Pensiones debe estamos sujetos a la revisión del IRS y dependemos seguir siendo un lugar sólido y seguro para enviar en gran medida de nuestro Asesor Jurídico externo sus recursos de jubilación, pero también debemos para mantenernos en conformidad; También tenemos estar fuera de casa, debemos estar presentes en la un llamado muy claro de la iglesia para administrar vida de la iglesia. No se puede sustituir el ministerio los bienes y recursos de otros de una manera que nos de presencia en la vida de la iglesia, ya sea que diferencie del banco o la firma de inversiones. Somos busquemos nuevos negocios, inscripciones o verdaderamente la intersección de las finanzas y la hablemos sobre asistencia y ayuda ministerial con misión en la iglesia. donantes, donantes con legado o líderes de la iglesia. Usted mencionó que el Fondo de Pensiones En segundo lugar, el poder de la Asistencia y Ayuda está altamente regulado como un plan de la Ministerial fue otra área de tremendo aprendizaje, iglesia. Háblenos sobre la Junta Directiva y incluida la historia de cómo empezamos, el impacto su función de gobierno. de los programas y las posibilidades que tenemos Tenemos la suerte de tener una Junta de líderes y para sostener a personas en el ministerio a través pastores de la iglesia comprometidos. Entre nuestros de programas financiados por el MRA. En 2018, miembros laicos de la junta directiva tenemos brindamos más de $1.5 millones en apoyo financiero actuarios, administradores de inversiones, contadores, al clero retirado y activo, así como a programas que se abogados, clérigos, banqueros y funcionarios de asocian con nuestras congregaciones locales. Nuestra finanzas con experiencia en negocios de alto nivel. visión de proporcionar una jubilación fuerte,

4 The Bridge 5 Nuestra Junta, dividida en tres comités (Inversión, Finanzas / Auditoría y Membresía / Beneficios), celebra dos reuniones en persona por año. Además, el Presidente, el Vicepresidente y tres personas del comité conforman el Comité de Gobierno y Liderazgo. El enfoque de la Junta es la governancia, el establecimiento Todd Adams, Robert “Bob” Bock y Gary Kidwell en la celebración de los 50 de límites claros y la rendición años de ministerio de Bob en la Primera Iglesia Cristiana de North Hollywood. de cuentas, mientras que el Liderazgo Principal se enfoca en la administración diaria. del Plan de Pensiones a través de completamente financiados Créditos de prorrateo especiales. ¿Cómo “paga las cuentas” el Fondo de Pensiones para operar? ¿Qué sigue para el fondo de pensiones? Nuestras políticas permiten un presupuesto de Estamos avanzando hacia un entendimiento de que hasta 50 puntos básicos (BPS) de nuestros activos necesitamos encarnar nuestro logotipo, que incluye los totales bajo administración. En 2018, nuestros gastos símbolos griegos de Alfa y Omega, el principio y el fin. operativos fueron de 35 puntos básicos (BPS) o $10.7 Con demasiada frecuencia, se nos ve como el lugar a millones. Los puntos básicos (BPS) se cargan contra donde recurres al final de tu ministerio para recibir una el retorno de la inversión; no cobramos tarifas a las Pensión bien ganada. Queremos estar presentes al cuentas de los miembros individuales. Cada otoño, el principio: en seminario a través de donacion estudiantil personal del Fondo de Pensiones presenta un plan de y en todo su ministerio a través de la expansión de gastos para el año siguiente, que luego se revisa en Asistencia y Ayuda Ministerial para incluir nuevos detalle y es aprobado por la Junta. Los gastos luego programas para el clero activo y asociaciones con fluyen a través del Fondo General de Operaciones, congregaciones. Mantener al clero sano y en el que no está vinculado a ningún producto, sino que está ministerio es parte de lo que significa tener una compuesto de bienes no restringidos que pertenecen misión que sea Para el Apoyo del Ministerio. al Fondo de Pensiones.

En cuanto al Plan de Pensiones, por cada 87 centavos de contribución, nos comprometemos a pagarle $1 en su jubilación. Nuestro trabajo es invertir los bienes que Rev. Dr. Todd Adams tenemos, compensar la diferencia y luego redistribuir President cualquier excedente con los titulares de cuentas [email protected]

4 Spring/Summer 2019 5

INVESTMENT CORNER

NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES OF MARKET VOLATILITY In my last Bridge article, I wrote about how some of the current economic and political challenges facing the country have shaken the financial markets. As expected, we’ve seen a continuation of volatility into 2019 which we can assume will continue into the foreseeable future.

We experienced the gains accompanied by optimism about the growth downside of this volatility prospects of the overall economy. in the fourth quarter of 2018 as most of the major • Markets rebounding from that rough fourth quarter equity averages, both foreign and domestic, of 2018 - where many analysts considered markets registered double-digit negative returns. Although to be substantially oversold. our pension plan remained fully funded at year- end, the drop in the markets resulted in the excess Nobody knows what will happen with the investment reserve not being robust enough to meet the margin markets the remainder of the year, as there are of safety required by our Board of Directors to pass always surprises to sway us one way or the other. As along a Special Apportionment in 2019. such, large and small investors alike would do well to remain patient, follow a consistent investment The markets have bounced back as of the end plan, and take advantage of opportunities as they of 2019 Q1, as both the equity and fixed-income arise. As I’ve stated in the past and as evidenced markets have advanced considerably. Equities rose in previous years, higher risk and volatility often in the first quarter, due to several factors: provide increased opportunity for those who stay • The Fed backed away from increasing interest rates focused on the long-term. which provided a tail-wind for returns. • Investors grew more confident that the U.S. and China would work out their differences and sign a robust new trade deal. David Stone • Consumer confidence also rose as an unusually Chief Investment Officer large number of households reported income [email protected]

6 The Bridge 7 FINANCIAL WELLNESS

THE TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT ACCOUNT

When meeting with potential members who are becoming familiar with Pension Fund, many are surprised to learn we offer more than just a defined benefit Pension Plan. The Pension Plan is one of our employer-sponsored accounts, but did you know that we also offer a defined contribution Tax- Deferred Retirement Account (TDRA)? The TDRA, also known as a 403(b)(9) plan, is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows you to set aside a portion of your salary on a pre-tax basis until you’re ready to withdraw your funds in retirement. designate the beneficiaries, which gives you flexibility in deciding how your legacy will live on through your The TDRA is an excellent option for complementing the financial resources. Pension Plan or as a stand-alone investment product. We are seeing increased interest in the TDRA as a main Many of our members have retirement savings from retirement savings vehicle at colleges, universities, and previous employers. If this describes your situation, you at benevolent care organizations. Members tell us they may be eligible to roll these monies into a TDRA. Rolling appreciate the flexibility it provides (should they continue these funds into a Pension Fund account, to consolidate their careers at a different employer), the competitive your assets or protect them from downside risk, will base rate of interest plus the possibility of earning Good ensure your money is there when you need it most. Experience Credits, and the comfort of knowing Pension Fund assumes the downside risk. Another benefit of As always, your dedicated Area Director is ready to the TDRA is that contributions are made pre-tax, which assist you and answer any questions. It is our pleasure lowers your taxable income. to serve you on the Road to Financial Wellness.

We are seeing many Pension Plan participants saving With Gratitude, additional money for retirement using the TDRA. It is a great way to have a “bucket” of money to go along with your monthly Pension payment. You can use the money for yourself or as an estate planning tool. You get to Rev. Danny Gulden Vice President, Client Relations [email protected]

6 Spring/Summer 2019 7 www.pensionfund.org 866.495.7322 CLIENT RELATIONS TEAM AREA SUPPORT [email protected] Helping you find the Road to Financial Wellness

[email protected] REGIONS: Pacific SW, Northern REGIONS: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, REGIONS: Greater Kansas City, REGIONS: Canada REGIONS: Indiana, Ohio, California/Nevada, Oregon/ Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, and West Pennsylvania, Northeast, Puerto 678.644.8121 [email protected] Southwest Idaho, Central Rocky North Dakota, South Dakota Virginia Rico; Hispanic congregations Mountain, Northwest, Montana 506.643.1777 and employees in Texas [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 317.713.2704 720.560.0929 317.601.8865 317.513.5808

Rev. Gabriel Lopez Dee Long AREA DIRECTOR AREA DIRECTOR (PART-TIME)

REGIONS: Arizona, North REGIONS: South Carolina, American Pacific/Asian Disciples, North Carolina, Virginia, the Hispanic congregations in the Capital Area Pacific Southwest [email protected] [email protected] AK 626.429.5390 843.708.1103

Rev. Kyle Alexis Fauntleroy Gammon Lopez AREA DIRECTOR AREA DIRECTOR

REGIONS: Texas, Oklahoma, HI REGIONS: Florida, Georgia, New Mexico Collazo Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, [email protected] Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky PR [email protected] 817.528.0560 Hispanic congregations 770.842.1475

Rev. 03-12-2019

8 The Bridge 9 www.pensionfund.org 866.495.7322 CLIENT RELATIONS TEAM AREA SUPPORT [email protected] Helping you find the Road to Financial Wellness

Rev. Danny Rod Witte Rev. Sarah Rev. Aaron Rev. David Raquel Gulden ASSISTANT VP OF Renfro Smith Nicholson Collazo VP OF CLIENT CLIENT RELATIONS AREA DIRECTOR AREA DIRECTOR CONSULTANT AREA DIRECTOR RELATIONS [email protected] REGIONS: Pacific SW, Northern REGIONS: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, REGIONS: Greater Kansas City, REGIONS: Canada REGIONS: Indiana, Ohio, California/Nevada, Oregon/ Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska, and West Pennsylvania, Northeast, Puerto 678.644.8121 [email protected] Southwest Idaho, Central Rocky North Dakota, South Dakota Virginia Rico; Hispanic congregations Mountain, Northwest, Montana 506.643.1777 and employees in Texas [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 317.713.2704 720.560.0929 317.601.8865 317.513.5808

Rev. Gabriel Lopez Dee Long AREA DIRECTOR AREA DIRECTOR (PART-TIME)

Rev. Kyle Alexis Fauntleroy Gammon Lopez AREA DIRECTOR AREA DIRECTOR

Rev. 03-12-2019

8 Spring/Summer 2019 9

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ROLLOVERS The closer you come to retirement, the more you may appreciate our ability to provide predictable returns (with upside) as we protect your future from uncertain markets.

If this is your situation, we encourage you to consider Complete and return the appropriate Rollover/ rolling over any of your outside investment accounts Transfer form* along with the most recent copy into a Pension Fund IRA where we can protect them — of the statement from the institution currently and your retirement plans — from future downside risk. holding your funds.

Tips for a successful rollover: The statement is not used to confirm the balance; it is used to confirm the account type and is necessary to Reach out to the institution currently holding your process the rollover request. funds and ask the following: You will receive notifications via an automated email • What information or documents do they require to once your rollover/transfer is in process and once release your funds? the new account has been established. • Confirm that your account is eligible for distribution Please note that it can take several weeks before an and/or can be rolled or transferred into an account at institution processes your request and distributes Pension Fund. the funds. If Pension Fund has not received • Confirm whether you’ll incur any penalties if you correspondence or funds after 14 business days, you request a distribution of funds. should be contacted and asked to confirm that the • What is the best method to submit the request for current institution received the request and find out if funds: fax, email, or regular mail? there is an alternate method available to submit the request, i.e., fax or email. Please understand that • Make sure that the institution currently holding funds Pension Fund is not an authorized signer with the will take care of any Required Minimum Distributions institution currently holding your funds and cannot (RMDs) before funds are distributed. inquire with that institution on your behalf.

Complete and return the appropriate enrollment Questions regarding the rollover process? Give us a form* if you or your eligible spouse do not already call at 866.495.7322. own the specific account type you would like to roll/transfer funds into. *All applicable forms can be found at www.pensionfund.org/forms.

10 The Bridge 11

PENSION FUND BOARD APPROVES EXPANSION OF MINISTERIAL RELIEF AND ASSISTANCE At the Pension Fund Board meeting in April, the Board’s Membership and Benefits Committee approved guidelines for new Ministerial Relief and Assistance programs (MRA).

Among these new or expanded “As we approach our 125th programs are Parental Leave, Anniversary, we are excited to Debt Refinancing for Excellence expand the reach of Ministerial in Ministry participants, New Relief and Assistance Church Pastor Gift Pension, programs. The Pension Fund Salary Support for Pastors logo includes the Alpha and following a Natural Disaster Omega — representing the (a partnership with Week beginning and the end. As of Compassion), and a we live out our logo, we geographic pay differential want to support clergy from for qualified retirees receiving the moment they begin their retirement support gifts. These education for ministry until new programs are in response to their last beneficiary takes their our research and the changing needs final breath,” shared Rev. Dr. Todd A. of ministers. Adams, Pension Fund’s President & CEO.

New MRA programs will be announced at General Assembly and available online later this summer! For more information about Pension Fund’s Ministerial Relief and Assistance Programs, visit www.PensionFund.org/MRA.

10 Spring/Summer 2019 11

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

PENSION FUND AND BETHANY FELLOWS PARTNER TO SUPPORT YOUNG CLERGY

Pension Fund of the Christian Church and Bethany Fellows have strengthened their existing partnership to sustain young clergy in ministry and nurture their financial wellness. The two programs share similar missions and their leaders recognized an opportunity to strengthen both ministries through collaboration.

“This is a natural step in Pension Fund’s ministry to assist ministers at all stages of life,” said Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, President and CEO of Pension Fund. “This collaboration with Bethany Fellows allows us to build relationships with younger ministers and helps them develop healthy financial habits at the beginning of their call.”

Learn more about Bethany Fellows at www.bethanyfellows.org.

NEW INTERACTIVE CALENDAR Recently, we launched a brand new interactive calendar on the Pension Fund website to provide our members with an on-demand resource for information regarding upcoming office closures, future workshops, and other special events. If you’d like to keep up with what’s going on at Pension Fund, you can check out this new online feature at www.pensionfund.org/events!

12 The Bridge 13

DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Last July, Rev. Kathleen Thomas learned that she is progressively losing sight in her left eye. The news was devastating, and Rev. Thomas PENSION FUND AND BETHANY FELLOWS wondered what it would mean for her active life and ministry. She and her husband chose to be proactive in possible. Thanks to MRA, we can stand in the gaps PARTNER TO SUPPORT YOUNG CLERGY preparing Rev. Thomas for life without full sight. produced by crisis or loss or illness or disaster with Exploring various options, she learned she would be pastors, their families, and their congregations, a good candidate for a service dog. and say, “We’re with you.” We’re grateful beyond measure that we are able to do so and give thanks Rev. Thomas began looking eagerly into such a for the generosity of the many of you who continue dog, only to be set back at the news of how much it to make it possible. costs to secure and fully train one. “All my ministry I’ve served small, rural churches. This was my In June, we will be inviting you to join us in Support calling . . . but, I certainly didn’t have the funds of Ministry in yet another way — by making a gift to to buy and train a dog,” Rev. Thomas said; and our 13th Check fund. By doing so, you would make a so, with some encouragement, she did what she difference in the lives of those who served in the mission describes as uncomfortable and difficult: she field or in churches who could not provide adequate asked for help. “I was used to being the helper,” pay — and who now struggle to get by on little to no she says, “and learning to ask for help myself retirement income. Our 13th Check gifts, modest as they was a really hard thing for me to do.” may be, are often gifts that make purchasing medicine or paying a bill or supplementing a rent increase Some of Rev. Thomas’ help came from Pension possible for these faithful servants who have arrived at Fund’s Ministerial Relief and Assistance (MRA) the evening of life with very little in the way of financial program, the grant she received going directly toward resources. It is our honor to help support them. You securing a trainer, and that was enough to get the will also have an opportunity to support 13th Check at process started. She has since received further General Assembly in Des Moines, Iowa this July — and support, and this past January, Brooklyn, her new we would love to welcome you to the Pension Fund puppy, arrived. Rev. Thomas said the sound of moving booth so that we may greet you personally! water has always reminded her of the voice of God, and so she named Brooklyn for the sound of water It is our great privilege to be in ministry with our members rushing over rocks, like a brook. It will be 15 months and donors, and we look forward to all the ways we will be before Brooklyn is home for good; for now, Rev. called to serve the Church together in the coming years! Thomas enjoys updates on her training via email and text from the facility in Western Iowa where Brooklyn To make an online gift to 13th Check today, please is learning how to serve Rev. Thomas best. “She’s visit www.pensionfund.org/give/13thCheck. doing really well,” Rev. Thomas says.

The story of Kathleen and Brooklyn is just one of the Rev. Julie Richardson many stories we are fortunate to be part of here at Pension Fund, all thanks to the generous donors that Assistant Vice President make our Ministerial Relief and Assistance ministry for Development [email protected]

12 Spring/Summer 2019 13 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

REV. DR. R. E. HEDGEMAN (Cleveland, Ohio) An influential religious leader, mentor, teacher and senior pastor of Bethany Christian Church, Pension Fund member Rev. Dr. R. E. Hedgeman answered the call to ministry while working for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Thirty-four years later, she reflects on how Pension Fund supported her — both financially and emotionally — through many seasons of her career.

From painting fire hydrants in the sweltering D.C. “I came from a working family with humble beginnings,” summer heat as a teenager to working for the federal said Hedgeman, one of four children. Hedgeman government as a college student, and ministering to believes her parents instilled in her a work ethic that congregations after seminary, Rev. Dr. R. E. Hedgeman continues in her ministry today and has paved the way remembers always having one job or another. for a promising and fulfilling retirement.

14 The Bridge 15 “The seeds I planted in my working years will certainly Hedgeman accepted the call of God knowing one day allow me to enjoy my latter years,” said Hedgeman. she’d have to be disciplined about preparing for the future, including paying herself back for investments Her call to ministry originally came in the form of gentle she withdrew during seminary. nudging from elders at her local Washington, D.C., congregation. At the time, she was working in a clerical “My funds have grown through discipline, consistency role at the FDIC, and didn’t recognize it as a call at all. and being still as the market fluctuates,” said Hedgeman. “I’ve been able to see the growth is worth “For two years, I struggled with the call,” said the discipline.” Hedgeman. She said she went into a period of fasting and intentional prayer before finally making the Now, she advocates that all ministers should transition from government work to seminary. practice self-care through financial stewardship when possible. During seminary, Hedgeman attended one of Pension Fund’s retirement seminars and discovered she was “You can never start too early, and no amount is eligible for retirement and death and disability benefits ever too small,” said Hedgeman, “but you do have through the Student Gift Program. to start somewhere.”

“It just made sense to me,” she said. “It was parallel to Harvesting the Fruits of Labor what I was used to working in the federal government: You get a salary and a paycheck, and part of that Through all of her life transitions, from the corporate paycheck goes toward benefits.” grind to teaching and over two decades of hands-on, community-focused ministry at Bethany Christian She quickly learned Pension Fund was more than just a Church, Hedgeman has gleaned that God will lead her paycheck down the road, but a ministry that could provide where she needs to be — on His timing. her with the necessary tools to spread God’s word. “I still want to make sure I’m in tune with God after 22 “The Pension Fund was a place that would ensure I years,” said Hedgeman. “You have to continually take was fully equipped for ministry,” said Hedgeman. “That a fresh look at your ministry to see if it’s the right fit for included allowing me the opportunity to sit on a couch your congregants and season of life.” and unpack my own baggage.” Currently, her congregation is focused on improving its Planting the Seed of Financial Growth infrastructure to support its ministries, which include community projects such as a six-week summer camp, As Hedgeman’s ministry career blossomed, she began to the adoption of two schools, and helping to provide take a closer look at her investments with Pension Fund. stability and support to homeless families that are “I think my knowledge of investing has grown just by “between times.” Over the past four years, Hedgeman doing some basic research over the last decade or so has also taught cultural diversity at Case Western to make sure I’m on the right track, asking questions of Reserve University’s National Youth Sports Program others and seeking out information in terms of retirement and the McCreary Center for African American and what the future needs to look like,” said Hedgeman. Religious Studies in Cleveland, Ohio.

Her quest for knowledge included speaking to other While she doesn’t have a retirement date in mind, investors and a financial analyst, all who were Hedgeman plans to eventually travel with the funds she’s impressed with the growth of her retirement funds. accumulated through Pension Fund. Some funds might also be contributed toward Bethany’s lingering mortgage. “I kept thinking I needed to do something more, something different,” she said. “It all kept leading “I’d like for the next pastor to inherit a thriving and me back to ‘being still’ with what I already had with growing congregation,” she said. Pension Fund.”

14 Spring/Summer 2019 15 EMPLOYER SPOTLIGHT

SUPPORTING COLLEGES, SEMINARIES AND UNIVERSITIES IN FINANCIAL WELLNESS (U.S. and Overseas) Pension Fund offers retirement benefits to many educational institutions that have Stone-Campbell/Restoration Movement roots. In this issue’s Employer Spotlight, we’ve highlighted a few of these employers and how they offer their staff and students a world-class education.

Texas Christian University – Fort Worth, Texas campus and world-class education, TCU also offers its employees Pension Fund’s Pension Plan Founded in 1873, Texas Christian University (TCU) is and Tax-Deferred Retirement Account (TDRA). the largest of 21 colleges and theological institutions associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Retired Assistant Athletic Director and Pension Christ). TCU matriculates more than Fund participant Tommy Love’s career spanned 10,000 students and employs more over four decades. “It was a group effort getting Pension Fund currently than 2,000 workers — 630 full-time me through my 42 years,” said Love. “Every step supports employees of faculty. Renowned for its successful of the way, people teach and mentor to make these institutions: NCAA football team, beautiful you wiser.” Barton College Bethany College Brite Divinity School Chapman University Christian Theological Seminary Cincinnati Christian University Foundation Culver Stockton College Disciples Divinity House at University of Chicago Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University Disciples Seminary Foundation Did You Know Eureka College that the Dean of the TCU Johnson University Business School was on the committee who Lexington Theological Seminary wrote the first Pension Plan in 1919? Milligan College Northwest Christian University Phillips Seminary Texas Christian University University of Lynchburg 16 The Bridge 17 As a Barton College (Atlantic Christian College) alum, I am aware of the familial atmosphere among faculty and students, promoting academic rigor and sound values. These same nuances are evident in Pension Fund, where each member is like family, promoting the goal of financial well-being. Barton College and Pension Fund are engaging comprehensive Barton College – Wilson, North Carolina to professional stewardship, the shaping of time, and graduate talent, and treasure. This engagement Barton College is a four-year, 65-acre private liberal schools at a rate is a blessing for all of us! arts college nestled in an idyllic setting within a of about twice short drive of mountains, national forests, the – Bishop Valerie Melvin, Regional Minister, the national Disciples of Christ of North Carolina Atlantic Ocean and the city of Raleigh, N.C. With average. an education that focuses on intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth, this Christian Attracting and retaining top faculty and staff to this Church-affiliated college enrolls nearly 1,000 rural setting is possible because of that commitment students and employs 200 faculty and staff. to excellence and the opportunity to work with bright, promising students. For more than 50 years, Bethany Founded in 1902 as Atlantic Christian College, Barton College has partnered with Pension Fund to provide College was named after Barton Warren Stone employees the option of participating in the Pension (founder of the Christian Church). The Barton Bulldogs’ Plan and Tax-Deferred Retirement Account (TDRA). motto is “They shall have the light of life,” and students are encouraged to be active participants in their own “History, tradition, value and mission are hallmarks education. Barton College’s more intimate setting shared by Bethany and Pension Fund,” said Rev. provides an opportunity for students to become better Janet Long, a Bethany graduate and former Pension prepared for their future careers. Fund trustee. “I have confidence that Pension Fund is a great retirement option for Bethany faculty and staff.” Bethany College – Bethany, West Virginia

The oldest private college in West Virginia, Bethany College was founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell of the Stone-Campbell/Restoration Movement. Today, Bethany College’s mission continues to be offering a premier education to students from all across the nation and forming leadership, high morals, and an attitude of service to others. Every graduate is required to complete a senior project and comprehensive exam, respected by both graduate school admissions staff and future employers. As a result, Bethany grads are admitted

16 Spring/Summer 2019 17

WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT

In response to member feedback to our member research, Pension Fund is responding to supporting financial wellness among our members in several ways:

• Adding a new Wellness Article to every Bridge • For the fall in Johnson City, TN and Fullerton, CA. Magazine — more than 50% of survey respondents - The Johnson City event on Oct. 21 will expressed interest in this type of content. welcome employees of Christian Churches/ • Hosting several financial wellness events for members. Churches of Christ organizations in the area. The goal of these events is to help members feel more - The Fullerton, CA event on Nov. 23 is planned financially secure and understand strategies to save in collaboration with leaders of the Hispanic for retirement and life events. Convención in the Pacific Southwest. Watch • Expanding our Ministerial Relief and Assistance the Pension Fund event calendar for more Programs to meet the evolving needs of clergy. information.

Top financial concerns among clergy include: Participants at these events will: • Managing debts — student loans and • Learn helpful financial information from nationally unplanned expenses recognized speakers. • Salary and job security due to shrinking/ • Explore your questions in a group setting with closing congregations time to meet one-on-one with Pension Fund • Managing expenses including healthcare Area Directors. • Need for more financial knowledge on managing • Connect with other pastors and Pension Fund and planning for expenses staff members. • Planning and sustaining income in retirement • Leave feeling empowered to make smart financial decisions. Already this year, Pension Fund has hosted several • Feel more confident in money matters at church events including two workshops during Black and at home. Ministers Retreat in February and a Road to Financial Wellness seminar at Country Club Christian Church in Kansas City in May. Additional events are planned: • At this summer’s General Assembly, participants can attend two workshops: Clergy Financial Wellness and Paying the Pastor. Emily Frische Chief Marketing Officer [email protected]

18 The Bridge 19

SAVE THE DATE IN 2020: The Gathering: A Retreat for Pastors Disciples Ministers and spouses are invited to attend!

Tuesday–Thursday, September 8–10, 2020 – Intercontinental Hotel, New Orleans, LA

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Matt Bloom, PhD, is a professor at the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame with expertise in working with a variety of not-for-profit organizations. He leads the Flourishing in Ministry and Wellbeing at Work research projects which focus on the wellbeing of helping and caring professions. Matt is passionate about finding real solutions to make work a healthy, vibrant, life-enriching experience as a spouse of a former United Methodist minister. Matt will share the latest research on the wellbeing of clergy and practical insights about how to build and sustain your wellbeing.

The conference will open on Tuesday with worship and with preaching by Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, President & CEO from the Deaconess Foundation, St. Louis.

Our worship leaders are Dr. Bill Thomas and Andra Moran.

Registration: The cost will be $100 if your home congregation average worship attendance is less than 100 or $150 if over 100. The cost is subsidized through our Lilly Grant and the Heartbeats of Faith Endowment designated for clergy health and wellness. Additional bookend discounted Rev. Wilson room rates are available over Labor Day weekend or following the conference. The fee includes the conference, two breakfasts, one lunch, and two hotel nights. Online registration and agendas will be shared later this summer and at General Assembly.

You won’t want to miss the Learning, Exploring, Connecting, and Worshiping at this event! Pension Fund looks forward to helping you on the Road to Financial Wellness.

Spring/Summer 2019 19 IN MEMORIAM Following are member deaths that were reported to Pension Fund between October 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019.

DEATHS Gary L. Holton Doyle Simpson Karen Bartlet Louise Harold D. IN ACTIVE Blanchard , MI Spring, TX Washington, IL Cinciripini Edwards SERVICE Harriet U. Norma Margaret Sue Waterloo, IL Austin , TX Terrence M. Howard Stubblefield Bates Doris Clark David L. O’Casey Scottsdale, AZ Kalispell, MT Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis, IN Edwards Bend , OR Catherine Carla Thomure James P. Beck Frances Loretto, KY Kilgore Rowlett, TX Clay Center, KS Colston R.G. Ericson Jr. RELATED Indianapolis, IN Indianapolis, IN Jacksonville, TX DEATHS Blossom Tibbits Darrell D. Biggs John W. Dothan, AL Temple, TX Mary J. Cornies Irene Espinoza Marie Bucknam Markulik Newton, KS Rosemead, CA Conetoe, NC Mardel Marvelina Washington, PA Timmons Borek Glenn W Cox A. Marie Floeh Duncan A. Mark D. Lincoln, NE Modesto, CA Bethany , WV Imperial, MO Butler McLean Greensboro, NC Sheila C. Donna Botma Robert L. Cox Judith C. Ford Springfield, MO Williamson Naples, FL Madison, MS Jacksonville, IL Kristina Suzanne M Indianapolis, IN Caldwell John L. Bray Mary Jean Mary W. Frye Michels Lutherville, MD Lawrenceburg, KY Crews Durham, NC Eldon, MO DEATHS IN Dallas, TX Joe Cook Edith Bruce Edna M. Gibson Mary E Muniz RETIREMENT Norfolk, VA Fishers, IN A.C. Cuppy Greensboro, NC Bayamon, PR Jo Anne Kansas City, KS W. Frank Andersen Lucille Bruce Sharon Gillen Martin Cornwell Arlington, TX Gallatin, MO Marilyn Danner Fort Wayne, IN Neubauer Oakland, CA Virginia Beach, VA Washington, IL Danny N. Dorothy Bryant Robert S. Jack D. Davis Armstrong Knoxville, TN A. Garnett Glover Meaalofa Noa Jonesborough, TN Day Jr. Hood River, OR Arthur L. Buell Indianapolis, IN San Leandro, CA Indianapolis, IN Joseph A. Connie Atchley Marietta, OH Frank Goodwin Margot Novikoff Fisher Annabelle Olympia, WA Savannah, GA Waterloo, IL Bruce Burghard Saint Joseph, MO Decker Orlando, FL William H. Kenneth Paquin Laura Luz A. Walnut Creek, CA Milton Goins Goodwin Indianapolis, IN Bacerra Bevis Byfield Johnson City, TN Ernestine Dove Memphis, TN LeCanto, FL Jamaica Anita Reulecke Washington, DC Vinnie Herrin Mildred Gray Collinsville, IL Mona Baird Tillie Cattrell Hennessey, OK George Dudley Scottsdale, AZ Edmond, OK Westerville, OH Michael Indianapolis, IN Larry Hoffman Gertrude Greco Rothburd Stella Mae Bobbie Jo Indianapolis, IN Miriam M. Dunn Zephyrhills, FL Tampa, FL Barber Chandler Patricia S. Grapevine, TX Dobson, NC Edwin R. Richard D. Fort Worth, TX Hoffman Chester V. Earls Greenway Scruggs Sr. Audrey Barrett Margaret G. Melbourne, FL Corvallis, OR East Moline, IL Calgary, AB Wichita, KS Christiansen Odessa, TX

20 The Bridge 21 Danny E. Ann Irving Ronald L. Howard L. Neal Shirley E. Joyce Valentine Haggard Deerfield, IL Lieurance Pomeroy, WA Sawyer Fort Worth, TX Baxter Springs, KS Patricia M Kansas City, MO Clyde E. Nichols Quincy , IL Nellie Steve Hahm Johnson Norman Linville Temple, TX Bonnie Vendenacre Los Angeles , CA Indianapolis, IN St Louis, MO Schmadeke Loveland, CO Patricia Adams Joseph J. Leon E. James Scott Oberbillig Shelbyville, MO Bradley Walden Hamilton Kapraun Long Des Moines, IA Eunice Schmidt Lexington, KY Midwest City, OK Arlington, TX Richardson, TX James R. Olson Newton, KS Dorothy Lyall D. Ralph Keller William B. Jacksonville, IL Billy G. Shaw Walters Hartley Jr. Raymore, MO Malotte Choctaw, OK Westmont, IL Stephen N. Grand Prairie, TX Patricia A. Kelly Leawood, KS Palmer Harry L. Sheller Mary B. Warren William K Monrovia, CA Richard K. Lexington, KY Hillsboro, OR Columbia, MO Hasenyager Markland Henry Kelly Norlene Payne Robert Shreiner Gerald Waters Deland, FL Lincoln, NE Fort Worth, TX Turner, OR Oklahoma City, OK Odessa, TX Carol D. Marta Martinez Regan L. Mary L. John R. Clayton D. Hazelwood Orlando, FL Kenner Pearson Simmons Weeks St Louis, MO Canton, MO Byron Mayfield Somerville, AL Sebastopol, CA Penney Farms, FL Donald F. Midlothian, TX Katherine Johnathan Carol J. Smith Victor R. Heath Kenney Duane Pietschman Ormond Beach, FL Whited Saint Johns , FL Boonville, MO McGormely Richmond, VA James I. Hampton, GA Anne R. Brooklyn , MI Corinne Kerfoot Audrey Plumb Spainhower Maryellen Wible Hedwall Eugene, OR Richard J. Galena, MO Raymore, MO Waco, TX San Luis Obispo, McLean CA Lillian I. Keys Harold Price Betty R. Donald E. Louisville, KY Stanford Roger L. Sabetha, KS East Newbridge, NB Wirsdorfer Jr. Herb Miller Wheeling, WV Fort Worth, TX Heimer Perry Eugene James P. Lubbock, TX Bloomington, IN Kidder Prichard James A. Edna Worden Seattle, WA Colorado Springs, Stewart Walter Helton Bruce Miller Plano, TX Rochester, MN CO Vero Beach, FL Blacksburg, VA Ruth A. Kitchen Helen Wraith Lexington, KY Tina Reinhardt Susan Stiff Thomas B. Larry L. Miracle Arlington, TX Yucca Valley, CA Mooresburg, TN Henderson Ethel M. Knight Columbus, OH Richard P. Irvine, KY Portland, OR Kay Moneysmith Beverly Marion M. Yaple Reynolds Strong J. William Charles F. Sarasota, FL Ozark, AR Springfield, OR Buchanan, TN Hepler Lamb Sandra C. Teal Younce Wapakoneta, OH Youngstown, NY Monhollen Graham F. Ronald O. Eaton, IN Riggs Sumter Randall L. Lloyd H. Greeley, CO Elberta Zimmer Shreveport, LA Dallas, TX Hoffman Lambert Ruth Ann Ellenton, FL Shelbyville, IN Lenexa, KS Moran Charles Rollins Helena Mae Thompson Mary M. Ella Latham Lompoc, CA Brentwood, MO Zimmerman Orval M. Holt Beech Grove, IN San Antonio, TX Rocky Point, NC Rollin V. Douglas Rose Redding, CT Elizabeth L. Muriel Leach Mosher Portland, OR Dorsia I. Thomsen Hal W. Zug Columbia, MO Chicago, IL Margaret Ryle Marion, OH Hopkins Albuquerque, NM Rootstown, OH James Leehan Judy M. Lexington, KY Campbell, CA Murtaugh Anna F. Joyce K. Marilyn L. Sack Touchstone Overland Park, KS Belleville, KS Houston Herbert Leslie Everman, TX Columbia , SC Cumming, GA Violet Nantz Betty H. Fred L. Towne Carl Junction, MO Sanders Martha Howard James A. Lewis Vancouver, WA Trophy Club, TX Cincinnati, OH Indianapolis, IN

20 Spring/Summer 2019 21 Pension Fund owes so much to the individuals who believe in the ministry of those who serve the Church. We gratefully acknowledge contributions made from November 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019, to Ministerial Relief and Assistance, Churchwide Health Care Gift Fund, Heartbeats of Faith, 13th Check and the Endowment. You make all of this possible with your faith, trust and support for Pension Fund. Thank you again!

Ministerial Relief Gifts from individuals for Ministerial Relief & Assistance help make life better for many of our older and retired ministers, missionaries and their widows or widowers. Gifts to Ministerial Relief, along with earnings from the Endowment Fund, make funds available for the Supplemental Gift (to supplement low pensions) and Ministerial Relief (for those with no pensions).

INDIVIDUALS David Baker Claire and Don Brewer Charlene Butz and Priscilla Charlotte Berry Amos and Adamson Baker Geoffrey Brewster Thomas Campbell Marilyn Acree William and Jennie and Margaret Bingham John Bridwell Maria Carey Todd and Robert Baker Kimberly Adams Arthur and Janie Briley N. Gene and Janet Carlson Nicanor and Elsa Nadine Bishop Peggy Brittan Kathryn Albers Bandujo Joyce Blair James Carpenter Don and Judy John Brodmann Vernon T Banks John Carter Alexander Betty Blakemore Rebecca Brown Frances Barton James Caton Frances and David and Julia Sarah Renfro and John Alford Lawrence and Blondell Kyle Brown C. Philip and Elizabeth Jennifer Bass Chacko Gerald Harper and David Boger John and Janice Elizabeth Allen Wendy and Ben Bohren Browning Young Ik and Charles Bayer Ayoung Cho Patricia Allred Roy and Gerry Donald and Arla Beal Eugene and John and Marsha Karen Boring Browning Lorna Clark Von Almen Julia Bean Myrtle Jo Boston Charles and Laverne Judy Clark Margaret Anderson Jimmie Beaumont Brumley Carl Bowles Cynthia Clark Jose and Eva Araya Dorotha Becker Roy Bullock and Anna Sonya Brabston Lombardo-Bullock Marlene Clayton Janet Nelson-Arazi Doris and George Chris Cleavely and Salomon Arazi Beckerman Ruth Bradley Ann Burch Jesse and Geraldine Carol Burkhalter James and Janice Anne Atkins John Norris and Nora Clifford Beiswenger Bradshaw Walter and James and Ann Burton James and Brenda Cline Carol Austin Virginia Bell James and Hilda Elizabeth Bragg Joyce Cloud Richard and John Bennett Bussell Barbara Bable Deba Marie Brant

22 The Bridge 23 Robert and David and Helen Herbert Gillen Paul and Richard Lee and Joyce Coalson Dunning Wanda Holman Doris Lauer Geraldine Gipson Ronald and Paul and Michaelene Wanda Holman Betty Joann Merritt and Kathleen Cobb Durbin Brett and Elena Jerry Lee Gobeyn Helen Holstner Sharon Johnson and Beverly Duval Laverne and Ronald Coleman Darlene Goodrich Elbert Joe and Betty Leigh Shawn Van Dyke Betty Hood Raquel Collazo George and Suzanne Helen Lemmon Chester Earls Gordon Dorothy Hopper Johanna Colston Clarence and Sondra Eddings Roland Graham Rex and Carol Horne Rozella Lever Shirley Compton Rudolph Eichenberger Valera Grant Angela Hornung Mary Ann and Christian Church of Charles Lewis Connellsville Jennifer Eis Dolores Guenin Robert Hostetter Lillian Lewis Harriett Conner Jose and Maria Elena Guillen John Huegel Escamilla Daniel and Mary Katie Hurst Deane and Dawn and Margaret Lierle Christopher Cooper Grace Elizabeth Lord Michael Gulden Williams Estate Constance Huston William and Delores Linda Lieurance Lynn and Marlene John and Shirley Ihle Cooper J. Kenneth and Gwaltney Camilla Lindsey Margaret Evans Reubenia Jackson Teresa Copfer Teresa and Benny Elaine and Jason Elberta Evans Hagan Maria Jacobs Littleton Kelby and Marilyn Cotton David and Florilda Gale Hagee Camilla Johnson Riverbridge Partners, Everton LLC Verla Jean Covey John Hagge Richard and Philip Ewoldsen Mark Haglewood Jessie Johnson Elsie and Sotello Kenneth Coy Vonzell Long W Kyle Fauntleroy James and Darrel Crouter Pansy Haines Martha Fawbush Nancy Johnson June MacDonald Otto and Joan Crumroy Shirley Hallock Christian Womens R. Carrol and Arne and Virginia Richard and Carol Fellowship Lee and Lillian Hankins Carol Johnson MacFarlane Cunningham Faye Filby Dorothee Hansen Gregory and Rebecca Robert and Shirley Brian and Laura Daly Johnson Magee Phyllis Fischer Bonita Hardy Philip and Nancy Dare Fred Jones Richard Mahoney Kenneth Forshee William and Patricia David Dean and Hartford J. W. James Jr. Darwin and Mary Mann Bonnie Darnall Martin and Paula Foster Suellen Hartley Jo Anne Kagiwada Milo Walker Marr Roger and Barbara John and Marilyn Chandra Haskett Christian Church in Nancy Marsh Davidson Kansas Foulkes David and Twylah Jerry and Donna Nancy and Jerry Haun Matthew and Lisa Keith Martin Dennis Elizabeth and Edward Frazier Susan Hay Jim Keown Sara and Ryan Martin J. Keppel and Gail Derivan Arthur Freund Rex and Evelyn Heavin Marcia Kibler Mary Lou Martin

Katherine Deupree Emily Frische Frank Helme Linda Kirkman Charles Matthews

Christopher and Merita Kristen Fronek W Dennis Helsabeck Karen Anita Knodt Robert and Jean Diebel Matthews Carolyn Fuller Iva Hendricks George and George Nikolas and Frances Knox John May Barbara and Raymond Sandra Heyle Eunice Donges Galloway Thomas and Olga Suzanne Mayes Benjamin Hiatt Jan and Kent Dorsey Kooreman Alexis Gammon Kerry McCullough Deborah Higgins Harold and Ann Doster Joe and Barbara Lacy Joseph Garshaw Isobel McDaniel Charles and Marilyn Cynthia Dowell Barbara Gibbs Paul and Highfield Patricia Lantis Ruth McElveen Sue Dowler Saramay Gibson William and Betsy Hine Richard and Daniel and Rhaelea Duncan Karen McEver Learsy and Luis Helen Hodkins Nancy Laslo Roberta Dunn Gierbolini Barbara McKern

22 Spring/Summer 2019 23 Ministerial Relief, continued

Richard McVicar Winie and Angel Sandra Ridenour Mildred Slack Doris Thompson Vicente Peiro Georgia Meece Jerry Ridling Roberta Smith Michelle Thompson Michael and Valerie Virginia Melin Pennanen Jennifer Riggs Aaron Smith Barbara Thornton

Radhika Mereddy Albert Pennybacker Janet Riley Franklyn Smith Bonnie Thurston

Roger and Penny Robert and Betty Nancy Lowe Roberts Whitfield Smith Judith Ticknor Meredith Jane Penrod Tashana Robinson Emmet and M. G. Timmons Dagmar Merrick Judith Smith Living Trust Luz Perez Chad Robinson Donald and John and Sue Phillips Marian Smith Horace Tomlin Frances Mertz Eliseo and Elizabeth Martin and Rodriguez Susan Smith Mamie Young Ralph and Ann Dorothy Pike Charitable Trust Messick Richard and Jean Virginia Smith Carrie Pitman Roland Wayne & Dorothy Meagan and Jack and Lana Bryant Family Trust Danny Miller David and Helen Calvin Ross Snellgrove Plumbley William and David and Ruth Edward and Amy United Christian Jean Tucker Ann Mindel Robert and Karen Roupe Missionary Society Frank-Plumlee Vernon and Mollie Mitchell Cy and Vera Rowell Ernest and Kathryn Martha Ummel Melissa Poe Speckman Alice Moon Richard Royster Equal Energy US Gregory A. Portas Richard Spellman Jean Morgan Tychicus Sabella Harry Valentine Vesta Porter Jacquelin Spencer Donna and L. Neil and Roger Ridgway and James Muiller Nicole Porter Dorothy Sallee Kimberly Spencer Mary Vance

Charlotte Nabors Martha Porter Nancy Salsberry Jimmie and V. Terry VanHeyningen Joanne Spiller Marianne Nichols M. Alice Porter Joyce Samples Harriet Vanlew Nancy Carol Stahl James and Ruth Nix Betty Prather Nancy Saunders David and Aida C. Thomas and Cheryl Margarita Vargas Karen Nolan Gary and Linda James and Olive Steiner Prichard Schimmel Edouard and Marlene Norman John and Dawn Marie Vilnea Douglas and C William and Kizzia Stemple Linda Norville Marjorie Priest Elizabeth Schiphorst Ruby Wade James and Beverly Helen Nutt Barbara and Charles and Joy Stephens Ruth and Charles Ernest Pruitt Schmidt Wallace Ruth and Mike Oar Barbara Stokes William and Sarah Richard and Mary Ober Joe and Elaine Wayne and Norma Pumphrey Schuermann Jan Stone Warren Denise Olmsted Richard and Helen Mary Seale Lynda Stone Mary Watkins Pilar Ortiz Randall Phillip and Frances Suzanne Stone Harold Watkins Mable Owens Betty Rathbun Sharp James and Gail Suggs Ida Watkins Frances Sharp Robert and Joan Kerry Reed Betty Sullivan Painter Stanley Ellis Watson Barbara and Jefa Sheehan Jacquelyn Meece and Ralph and Terri Lester and Daniel Regan Jean Sheffield Leslie James Summers Janelle Palmer Wearstler Evelyn Reid S Thomas and Robert and Elaine Palmer Ted and Betty Reneau Caroline Shifflet Martha Sweeten Jennifer Weaver Edmond and Norma William and Mary Joyce Swords Pangburn M. Ann Richards Nancy and Shoop Reginald Webb John and Della Wilma Jean Tade Mary Anne Parrott William Sikes Richardson Gail Taylor Norman and Gabriel Lopez-Patino Kyle Simpson Katharine Wells Julie Richardson Marilyn Taylor Robert Pebley Mary Wells Elizabeth Richey Sarah and Victor Singer Neva LaVaughn Thomas

24 The Bridge 25 Buddy and Betsy Marilynn Works CHURCHES or First Christian Church, North Christian Church, Westbrook ORGANIZATIONS Hopkinsville, KY Fort Wayne, IN John and Nancy Wylie Jordan Whitt Bloomfield Christian First Christian Church, North Heights Christian Jose Yharte Church, Bloomfield, KY Idaho Falls, ID Church, Wichita, KS Ann Willard John and Sarah Yonker Central Christian Church, First Christian Church, Ridglea Christian Church, Steven and Sherry Newark, OH Louisburg, KS Fort Worth, TX Williams Barbara Younce Katharyn Youngblood Central Christian First Christian Church, Union Avenue Christian Frank and Barbara Church,Hermitage, PA Metropolis, IL Church, Litchfield, IL Windegger Karen Jane and Bennie Yount Federated Church of First Christian Church, Washington Avenue Robert and Evelyn West Lafayette, IN Princeton, IL Christian Church, Elyria, Winger Fred Zacharias OH First Christian Church, Hope Church, Bound Ruth Winn Richard and Peggy Ziglar Brownsville, PA Brook, NJ Yale Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa, OK Rodney and Laura Witte Roger and Sherry Zollars First Christian Church, Hurstbourne Christian Bryan, TX Church, Louisville, KY Zion Christian Church, Ruth Woods Elizabeth and Donald Maurertown, VA Mary Workman Zumwalt First Christian Church, La Iglesia Cristiana En Clearwater, KS Puerto Rico

13th Check At Christmastime each year, we lift the financial burden of pensioners living check to check by providing recipients with a “13th Check.” This extra boost in income is a highly anticipated and appreciated gift for those who served the Church at the cost of their own financial success. The following is a list of individuals and congregations that responded to the 13th Check offering. These gifts will provide future 13th Checks to qualified recipients. We express our sincere appreciation.

INDIVIDUALS Janis Brown Ellen Evens Janice Johnson and Gary and Betty Massoni Nicholas Hume Amos and Marilyn Acree Roy and Gerry Browning Maurice and Sara Fetty Robert and Jean Reubenia Jackson Matthews Todd and Kimberly Joseph Bryan Doris Forcum Adams James and Nancy William and Julia Mary and Brent Cary Virginia Fraley Johnson McDonald Kathryn Albers Paul and Ruth Channels Carolyn Fuller Donald Johnson and Ruth McElveen John and Marsha Von Jeanne Davis-Johnson Almen Marlene Clayton Robbie Garrett Mary Julia McKenzie J. W. James Jr. David Altizer Marylyn Cole Sharon Gillen Ralph and Ann Messick Judith Kendall Kristine Anderson Sharon Johnson and Phil Gilliland Mollie Mitchell Ronald Coleman Marcia Kibler David Baker and Melanie Odom-Groh Fred Moseley Priscilla Adamson Baker Marjorie D’Antonio Mary Caudle-Kidd Gale Hagee Verl Murphy Doris and George Ronald and Deniese Edward Kolbe Frieda Hall Beckerman Degges Arnold and Kelly Nelson Elizabeth Lambert William and Karmyn Bedgood George Nikolas and Gregory and Eunice Donges Lucinda Harrold Dennis and Lana Denise Nichols Victor and Megan Hartman Landon Gaylord and Boschini J. Marshall and Margaret Owens Barbara Dunn Diana Hatler Arlene and Jackie Lasey Carl Bowles Robert and Joan Painter David and Helen Barbara Henthorn Richard Lee and Doris Jesse and Geraldine Dunning Lauer Lester and Janelle Eleyce Hinant Bradshaw Palmer Robert and Lillian Lewis Carolyn Hopkins Geoffrey Brewster Harriette Elliott H. Spier and Laura Richard Mahoney Jean Parks Mildred Hughes

24 Spring/Summer 2019 25 13th Check, continued

Sally and William Paulsell Vesta Porter Aaron Smith P. Steve Votaw CHURCHES or ORGANIZATIONS Barbara Peck Ellen Nolte and Donald Susan Smith Ruth and Charles Wallace Racheter First Christian Church, Albert Pennybacker Elizabeth Spain Miriam Watson Louisburg, KS Jerry Ridling Robert and Debora Perry Ernest and Kathryn Ralph and Terri Wearstler North Christian Church, Eliseo and Elizabeth Speckman Fort Wayne, IN Ralph and Nancy Peters Rodriguez Robert and Lois Weitzeil Robert and Martha Leslie and Deanna Juan and Sonia Rodriguez Sweeten Robert and Eunice Welsh Peterson Jennifer Anne Schooley William Tarr Nancy Whetstone Robert and Karen Frank-Plumlee S. Thomas and Joe Urban Jeffrey and Janet Wright Caroline Shifflet G. Philip and Loris Points Arthur and Pauline John and Sarah Yonker Jennie and David Shirey Vermillion

Churchwide Health Care Gift Fund The Health Care Gift Fund helps pay the Health Care Medicare Basic premium for many worthy servants of the Church.

INDIVIDUALS Clifford Cox Ellen Jandebeur Albert Pennybacker James and Gail Suggs

Amos and Marilyn Acree Kenneth Coy Darrell and Janet Johnson Martin and Dorothy Pike Robert and Martha Sweeten Todd and Kimberly Adams Betty Cunningham Donald Johnson and Vesta Porter Jeanne Davis-Johnson Barbara Thornton David Baker and Priscilla J. Carol and Daniel Joe and Elaine Pumphrey Adamson Baker Denzinger Richard and Linda Jones Ruth and Charles Wallace Carol Rawlings Doris and George David and Helen Dunning Donn Leach Sue Wallace Beckerman Jerry Ridling Robert and Harriette Elliott Leonard Leslie Harold Watkins Karmyn Bedgood Jennifer Riggs Elberta Evans Edwin Marrero-Serrano Annabelle and Carl Geoffrey Brewster and Maria Marrero Eliseo and Elizabeth Weisheimer Carolyn Fuller Rodriguez Eugene and Elizabeth David Meeker Mary Wells Brice Barbara Gibbs Carl and Joann Rucker Janet and Glenn Mers Nancy Whetstone Roy and Gerry Browning Darlene Goodrich S. Thomas and Caroline Ralph and Ann Messick Shifflet Richard and Peggy Ziglar Dorothy Brownlee George and Suzanne Gordon Rose Michael Dale Shreeves Dennis and Karen David St Clair Zimmerman Melanie Odom-Groh Roberta Millard William Sikes Robert Clark Roger and Sherry Zollars Annette Harden Charlotte Nabors Nathan and Karen Smith Lorna Clark Helen Hodkins Edith Newby Ernest and Kathryn Robert and Ida-Anne Speckman Clarke Rex and Carol Horne Denise Olmsted Peggy and Earl Stott Lynn and Marlene Cooper Susan Husselbee Lester and Janelle Palmer

26 The Bridge 27 Endowment Earnings from the Endowment Fund are added to the offerings from congregations through the Disciples Mission Fund and through gifts from individuals to assist those whose pensions are low or who have no pensions or to assist with the payment of health care premiums and other needs. The Endowment Fund includes gifts, bequests and memorials to loved ones and honored minsters, as well as other estate gifts.

INDIVIDUALS Claire and Charlotte Berry Marjorie Reisinger Ruth and Charles Wallace CHURCHES or ORGANIZATIONS Amos and Marilyn Acree Bobby Wayne Cook Della Richardson Harold Watkins Todd and Robert and John and Della Charles and Jane Watkins Christian Church Harriette Elliott Richardson in Kansas Kimberly Adams Katharyn Youngblood James and Linda Hamlett Aaron Smith Robert Bates Fred Zacharias Doris and George Ralph and Ann Messick David Stump Beckerman Lester and Janelle Palmer John Trefzger

Excellence in Ministry The following list of individuals have made gifts and commitments to the Excellence in Ministry Campaign.

Todd and Raquel Collazo James and Nancy Vesta Porter Joyce Veatch Kimberly Adams Johnson Teresa Copfer James and Ruth and Charles Doris and George Charlotte Johnson Yvonne Prichard Wallace Cleista Farriester Beckerman Fred Jones Seth and Brandi Rash Ted and Jennifer Weaver Thandiwe Dale-Ferguson Saundra Michael-Bowers Melissa Guthrie Loy Della Richardson Nancy Whetstone Dawn Fleming Sonya Brabston Ralph and Ann Messick J Keith and Patricia Jordan Whitt Emily Frische Don Brewer Roberson Meagan and Rodney and Laura Witte Alexis Gammon Geoffrey Brewster Danny Miller Matthew and Cayla Fred Zacharias Andrea Hall Rosine Cleveland and Charlotte Nabors Richard and Peggy Ziglar Linda Bryant Nita Floe and Robert Terry Rothermich Lester and Janelle Hempfling Janet Long and Palmer Kim Gage Ryan Daniel Clark David and Lola Van Horn Albert Pennybacker Jefa Sheehan

Heartbeats of Faith The following is a list of individuals who have made gifts and commitments to the Heartbeats of Faith Capital Campaign.

INDIVIDUALS Ben Duerfeldt Nancy Saenz David Baker and Priscilla Elberta Evans Andrea Toonder Adamson Baker

26 Spring/Summer 2019 27 PRODUCT OVERVIEW Program Advantages Good for someone who: EMPLOYER- SPONSORED RETIREMENT PLAN OPTIONS • Employer, employee or both may make contributions • Contributions are normally made pre-tax • Ministers can continue to participate during periods of self-employment if • is looking to lower taxable income performing in the exercise of ministry Pension Plan • wants peace of mind for • Provides guaranteed monthly pension benefit for life (upon retirement) DEFINED BENEFIT PLAN: a spouse/family • Retired ministers may declare housing allowance on retirement distributions Provides a lifetime monthly retirement • wants security of income-for-life benefit for participants. • Offers additional security with pre-retirement monetary benefits for (won’t outlive money) participants and their families: » At participant’s death, benefits for surviving spouse and minor children » Disability benefits for participant

• Employer may make contributions as a benefit for the employee Tax-Deferred Retirement • Participants may make contributions through salary reduction • Contributions made pre-tax Account (TDRA) • wants to lower taxable income • Higher contribution limits than with IRAs DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN: • wants to defer taxes until • Retired ministers may declare housing allowance on retirement distributions retirement distribution Allows eligible employees to set aside • Ministers can continue to participate during periods of self-employment if a portion of compensation on a pre-tax performing in the exercise of ministry basis to save for retirement. • Funds can be grown tax-free until distribution INDIVIDUAL PLAN OPTIONS

• No age limit for making contributions • Contributions can be accessed at any time • Money can be withdrawn without penalty in certain situations, such as using the distribution for higher education or a first-home purchase • is still relatively new in their career • No required minimum distribution for an account owner or spousal (tax rates are lower when income Roth IRA beneficiary, and interest can be grown tax-free is lower) Contributions are non-deductible, but • Upon qualified distribution for owner and spouse and if 5-year holding • wishes to withdraw retirement earnings on qualified distributions are period is met, interest is not taxable funds tax-free tax free. • Ability to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out (is reduced) for higher • wishes to access funds earlier than income earners. For 2019, you are not eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA retirement, if necessary if your modified adjusted gross income equals or exceeds $137,000 (filing single) or $203,000 (married filing jointly) • Maximum annual contribution limit for 2019 is $6,000 ($7,000 if you reach age 50 or older during the year)

• Contributions may be fully or partially tax-deductible Traditional IRA • Deductible contributions are permitted • is looking for additional • No upper income limit on Traditional IRA contributions tax deductions on income Contributions may be either fully or • Funds can be transferred through rollovers • would like to save without partially tax-deductible, and taxes are • Provides savings opportunity for individuals whose employer does not income limits deferred until funds are distributed. provide retirement plan • has rollover funds available in • Maximum annual contribution amount for 2019 is $6,000 ($7,000 if you another account reach age 50 or older during the year)

• is a participant in Pension Plan, Benefit Accumulation • The fixed base interest rate protects the account from down markets TDRA or IRA Account • No age or contribution limits • would like to withdraw funds at • Funds may be withdrawn twice a month without a withdrawal fee Current members and spouses with any time without penalty • Provides opportunity to save additional funds for life expenses an active account can take advantage • would like a competitive base such as education or emergencies of this after-tax savings account with a return for savings fixed rate of return.

Each year when plan reserves exist above what is required for current and future benefits (and for any potential market decline), Pension Fund’s Board of Directors may declare additional earnings in the form of Special Apportionments or Good Experience Credits - meaning more money for you in retirement.

The material contained in this overview is for informational purposes only and not to be construed as tax, financial, or legal advice. Please consult your tax or financial advisor with individual questions or concerns. DESCRIPCIÓN DE LOS PRODUCTO Programa Ventajas Bueno para quienes: PROGRAMAS DE CONTRIBUCIÓN PATROCINADOS POR EL EMPLEADOR

• El empleado, el empleador o ambos pueden hacer contribuciones. • Normalmente las contribuciones se hacen antes de impuestos Plan de Pensiones • Quieren tranquilidad espiritual para su • Provee un beneficio mensual de pension garantizado de por vida (al jubilarse) cónyuge/familia PLAN DE BENEFICIOS DEFINIDOS: • Ofrece seguridad adicional con beneficios monetarios para el participante y sus familiares • Quieren disminuir ingresos tributables Provee un beneficio mensual de disponibles antes de que el participante se jubile: • Quieren la seguridad de ingresos de por vida jubilación de por vida para los » Si fallece el participante, habrán beneficios para su cónyuge sobreviviente e hijos (nunca se acaban los fondos) participantes. menores de edad » Beneficios por discapacidad para el participante

• Empleador puede hacer contribuciones adicionales como beneficio al empleado Cuenta de Jubilación • Participantes pueden hacer contribuciones por medio de la reducción de salario con Impuestos Diferidos • Las contribuciones se hacen antes de impuestos • Los límites de contribución son más altos que los de las cuentas IRA • Quieren disminuir ingresos tributables (TDRA) • Los fondos pueden crecer libre de impuestos hasta ser distribuidos • Quieren diferir los impuestos hasta la PLAN DE CONTRIBUCIÓN DEFINIDA: • Los pastores retirados pueden declarar un subsidio de vivienda en las distribuciones de retiro. distribución de fondos durante la jubilación Permite a los empleados ahorrar una • Los pastores pueden continuar participando durante periodos en el que esten trabajando por porción de sus ingresos antes de que cuenta propia siempre y esten laborando en el ejercicio del ministerio. los impuestos sean deducidos.

OPCIONES PARA PLANES INDIVIDUALES

• No hay límite de edad para hacer contribuciones • Las contribuciones se pueden accesar en cualquier momento • Se pueden retirar fondos sin penalidad en ciertas situaciones, tales como usando la distribución para la educación superior o para la compra de su primera vivienda Roth IRA • Recientemente comenzaron sus carreras (las • No hay una distribución mínima requerida para el titular de la cuenta ni para el cónyuge del titular, y tasas de impuestos son más bajas cuando los PLAN INDIVIDUAL: los intereses pueden crecer libre de impuestos Las contribuciones son hechas ingresos son bajos) • Si se realiza una distribución después del plazo requerido de 5 años y cumplen los requisitos para despues de impuestos. Las • Quieren retirar sus fondos de jubilación libre una distribución calificada, los intereses no son sujetos a impuesto contribuciones y las ganancias de impuestos • La abilidad de contribuir a un Roth IRA es reducida para personas de alto ingreso. En el pueden ser retiradas sin pagar • Desean acceder fondos antes de 2019, las personas que tengan un ingreso bruto ajustado igual o mas de $137,000 (solteros impuestos al jubilarse (o antes jubilarse si es necesario declarando individualmente) o $203,000 (casados declarando colectivamente) no son elegibles en algunos casos). para contribuir a un Roth IRA. • La contribución máxima anual para el 2019 es $6,000 (o $7,000 si tiene 50 años o más antes de fin de año).

• Contribuciones que son deducibles de su ingreso anual son permitidas • Las contribuciones pueden ser totalmente o parcialmente deducibles de impuestos IRA Tradicional • Están buscando • Las contribuciones se pueden accesar en cualquier momento (es posible que sean sujetos a deducciones adicionales de impuestos PLAN INDIVIDUAL: penalizaciones e impuestos) • Les gustaría ahorrar sin tener límites de ingresos Las contribuciones pueden ser • No hay límites de contribuciones para personas de alto ingreso totalmente o parcialmente deducibles • Tiene fondos en otra cuenta que quieren • Provee la oportunidad de ahorrar para las personas cuyos empleadores no ofrecen un plan de de impuestos y los impuestos son reinvertir jubilación diferidos hasta que los fondos sean distribuidos. • La contribución máxima anual para el 2019 es $6,000 (o $7,000 si tiene 50 años o más antes de fin de año)

• Son participantes en el Plan de Pensiones, Cuenta de Acumulación • No hay límites de edad ni límites de contribución TDRA o la IRA. de Beneficios • Se puede retirar fondos dos veces al mes sin cargo. • Quieren retirar fondos en cualquier momento • Provee la oportunidad de ahorrar fondos adicionales para la AHORROS DESPUÉS DE IMPUESTOS: sin penalidad jubilación o para los gastos imprevistos Los miembros actuales y sus cónyuges con • Quieren un rendimiento básico competitivo • Tasa de interés fija le protege de las fluctuaciones del mercado. cuentas activas en Pension Fund pueden para sus ahorros tomar ventaja de esta cuenta de ahorros.

Cada año, la Junta Directiva del Pension Fund revisa las reservas requeridas, y puede otorgar Aportaciones Especiales a los miembros. Cuando se les otorgan, las Aportaciones Especiales aumentan los créditos de pensiones, y como resultado, los pagos mensuales de pensiones aumentan.

El material contenido en este resumen es para propósitos informativos solamente, y no debe ser interpretado como asesoramiento fiscal, financiero o legal. Favor de consultar su asesor fiscal o financiero con preguntas o preocupaciones individuales. Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 2986

P.O. Box 6251 • Indianapolis, IN 46206-6251

866.495.7322

[email protected]

www.pensionfund.org

pensionfundchristianchurch

PensionFundCC

IN THIS ISSUE

INSIDE FRONT COVER Find out about Pension Fund’s planned EVENTS at General Assembly 7 Learn about the financial BENEFITS of the Tax-Deferred Retirement Account (TDRA) 13 Learn how gifts to MRA helped provide HOPE to a minister struggling with her loss of sight 14 Hear how Pension Fund HELPED a minister achieve financial independence 16 See how Pension Fund is ASSISTING employees of colleges and universities across the country