"Third Pocket" Giving

by the Rev. Darrel Peterson, Assistant to the Bishop

When I refer to "third pocket" giving, I'm thinking of "first pocket" giving being what Christians give to their Lord and church in their basic pledge. I'm thinking of "second pocket" giving as what folks give charitably to both sacred and secular causes. "Third pocket giving" is what we give charitably as planned gifts or as bequests when we die.

Read more on the synod blog.                          

ELCA Board of Pensions Health Assessment

ELCA Primary health care members:  How can you have your own personal Mayo Clinic Life Coach? See what Pastor Benjamin Sheets, Associate Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plover, WI has to say!

"In January 2010, I logged on to the Embody Health website to take the health assessment and find the easiest ways to get the free $300 for health expenses. In my health assessment, I indicated that I would be open for coaching regarding one of my 'weak' spots. To my surprise, they actually called me." 

"......Now, I'm not a health guru because I've finished the coaching, but I am more aware of my diet and I realize when I'm slipping back into unhealthy habits. The coaching program helped me achieve my goals, and I feel more empowered and healthier because of it."

The Southeastern Synod needs 98 members of the BOP plan to take the assessment by April 30 in order to reach the 65% participation necessary for a 2% health contribution discount in 2011.  To date, 56 members in the Southeastern Synod have taken the assessment.  Find the assessment on the Mayo Clinic EmbodyHealth web portal at: https://www.elcaforwellness.org. 

There are two lay male openings on the synod Consultation Committee, to be filled by election at the 2011 synod assembly. There are also two lay male openings on the Discipline Committee. As of March 8, no lay men had submitted biographical forms for consideration by the Nominating Committee for these positions. Please help the Nominating Committee identify good lay male candidates!

The purpose of the Consultation Committee is to provide advice to Bishop Gordy in investigating situations that are potentially matters for formal discipline. The Discipline Committee is a pool of individuals who would be available for potential participation in disciplinary hearings, according to ELCA procedures. Because of the nature of this work, it is very possible that elected members may not actually meet during their terms. But it is very important that both groups have wise, responsible members who would be able to step in and serve if needed.

Please encourage the lay males who you know would be good candidates to consider making themselves available for nomination. Additional information about the positions is available HERE. The Nominating Committee has extended the deadline for submitting the 2011 Biographical Form to April 3.  

Can you help identify youth who would be interested in serving a two-year term on the Synod Council? This at-large position will be elected during the 2011 Synod Assembly. Students currently in the 10^th grade are eligible for consideration. Additional information is available HERE. The deadline for interested youth to submit the 2011 Biographical Form  has been extended to April 3.  

Remember in the old Thrivent (AAL and LB) world, where congregations and Lutheran organizations got matching and supplemental funds?  Well, things have changed.  There are now "Choice Dollars," and there are significant monies to be given and received!  2010 Choice Dollars expire March 31, so time is of the essence!  (There will be new, and likely more, Choice Dollars assigned for 2011.)

Eligible Thrivent members are now awarded Choice Dollars based on their insurance premiums, contract values and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership.  These are fraternal dollars, not dollars out of member's accounts.  Thrivent members may choose to give their Choice Dollars to Lutheran organizations nationwide, including their local congregations.  This includes our synod affiliated institutions and agencies, as well as the Southeastern Synod.

Thrivent members should go online to www.thrivent.com and proceed to Thrivent Choice, or call 800 THRIVENT (800.847.4836) and state "Thrivent Choice."  Folks can also contact their Thrivent Representative.  Don't miss out!  Don't allow our congregations and organizations to miss out!

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides financial services for Lutherans and others with a Lutheran connection.  Thrivent is the only financial organization that is both a Fortune 500 company and a Fraternal Benefit Society.                                                        

AROUND THE SYNOD

"FLING WIDE THE DOOR" Discipleship 

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The Southeastern Synod will meet in Assembly June 3-5, 2011 at Marriott's Renaissance Waverly Hotel, Atlanta GA.

Theme:  "Listen to Your Children Praying"

Our special guest speaker will be the Rev. Andrew D. Genszler, Director of Advocacy at the ELCA Washington Office. 

Find out more about the Synod Assembly or register at www.elca-ses.org/Assembly.html.

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Please note:  There will be no regular E-News Weekly for the weeks of March 14 and 21, as the editor will be on vacation.  Specials will be sent for items that are of an urgent nature. 

Reminder

March 11-13   All GA Youth Gathering

March 13       Atlanta Hunger Walk

March 18-19   Fling Wide the Door, ITC

March 18-20   Youth and Young Adult Ministry Conference

March 22-23   Lutheran Regional Consultation 

March 26        Leadership Program for Musicians

April 1            Personnel Committee Meeting

April 1-2         Region 9 Global Missions Gathering-Columbia SC 

April 3            Deadline to submit bios for 2011 Elections 

   
View the entire Synod Calendar