35,000 ELCA Youth to Make a Difference in New Orleans
-Spreading Literacy, Beauty, and Inspiration
More than 35,000 youth and adults have arrived in New Orleans  for the "Citizens with the Saints" Youth Gathering. This event is the largest convention the city hosts, and the influx of Lutherans will boost the city's population by 7% July 18-22. New Orleans welcomes the ELCA because they know we are there to make a difference.
There will be 933 youth and adults representing Southeastern Iowa Synod congregations participating in the Gathering's efforts to improve literacy, clean up the environment, and care for the New Orleans community.
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Biking Bishops Part of the 100 Wells Challenge
Mikka McCrakken, Program Director for ELCA World Hunger
Before the ELCA National Youth Gathering, we [ELCA World Hunger staff] wrote Bishop Jeff Barrow, Greater Milwaukee Synod, asking if he was available and interested in rustling up a few BF's (Bishop Friends) and coming over to our 100 Wells Challenge space for some friendly "Bike Pump" competition in New Orleans. Bishop Barrow and 23 other ELCA bishops, including Bishop Michael Burk and Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, are riding to help us raise awareness and work toward clean water for all.
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Health Care Reform: How It Impacts Your Congregation Now
Kathy Smith, Associate for Administration
- Starting for the 2012 tax year, W-2 forms provided by employers at the beginning of 2013 will show employees how much their health insurance costs. The reporting is for informational purposes only. Employees will not be taxed on this benefit.
- Tax-exempt small businesses (including churches) with fewer than 25 employees and average annual wages of less than $50,000 are eligible for tax credits of up to 25% of the employer's contribution toward the employee's health insurance premium. (Note that a pastor's housing allowance is not used when calculating the annual average wage.) Click here to connect to the Portico website where you will find the appropriate tax forms and ideas on how to maximize your credit.
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Registration Open for Fall Theological Conference
"How Shall We Feed Them? Being an Iron Chef of Faith For mation" is the theme of this year's Fall Theological Conference to be held September 23-25, 2012 in Ames. Keynoters for the event are ELCA seminary professors Dr. Mark Allan Powell from Trinity and Dr. Mary Hess from Luther.
New This Year: A BBQ, a Band, and the entire conference (except for lodging) will be at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames instead of in a hotel conference room! Thank you to the staff at Bethesda for their generosity and hospitality! Also new is a deadline of Friday, September 14 for registration payments; after September 14, a $20 late fee will apply. Register early to save!
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