Clergy Wellness
West Virginia - Western Maryland Synod, ELCA
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Portico Benefit Services

Portico and other entities continue to publish and offer various health and wellness resources. In an effort to declutter the clergy index page, we're moving them here.

Some items on the Education for Clergy & Laity also relate to health and wellness. You might want to explore those offerings as well.

We are also including on this page basic information about Portico's insurance and pension offerings.

Be sure to take a look at all your benefits under Portico's insurance program. Virtual doctors visits, online mental health, wellness programs, prescription drug service, and more can contribute to your well-being and save you time and money.

Portico Insurance and Pension Info

Notify Portico of Any Compensation Changes

To administer benefits accurately, Portico needs to know each member’s current compensation amount. If your congregation’s annual meeting included a salary or benefit adjustment, be sure your EmployerLink user notifies Portico within 60 days of the effective date of that change. Late notifications of compensation changes can impact your sponsored members’ retirement account contributions as well as disability and life insurance benefits. This year, note that EmployerLink users will be asked to verify FICA (for lay employees) or SECA (for most clergy) status as part of the SECURE 2.0 Roth catch-up provision.

From Portico on the Wellness Front

Mental Health Support During Disruptive Times

When chaos and worry seem overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. Portico members with ELCA-Primary health benefits, your EAP can help you navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional strain tied to current events. Want a quick visual reminder? Print this Spring Health resource for practical ways to stay grounded and supported.

Online Retirement Readiness Series

Winter weather got you homebound? Take a break from your Netflix queue to bolster your financial knowledge. Portico has worked with Fidelity to offer a virtual Retirement Readiness workshop series designed to help individuals think confidently about their financial future. Topics include Social Security, retirement savings strategies, health care costs in retirement, and protecting personal information online. Find videos on the Retirement Readiness series page on myPortico.

Get Ready for Tax Season

Since congregations and clergy have unique reporting requirements, Portico offers complimentary access to two important resources:

The Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide by Richard R. Hammar focuses on tax-related topics most relevant to ministers.
Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps congregations understand their federal tax-reporting requirements.
Both tax guides are available on myPortico and the Tax Filing Information tab on EmployerLink.

Harness the Power of Rest

Just as every Sunday is a “little Easter,” every night offers a chance to take a “little sabbath” and restore your body through healing rest. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling like you’re getting a good night’s sleep, Portico members with ELCA-Primary health coverage have a wealth of resources to help. Since March is National Sleep Awareness month, why not check out Learn to Live’s course on insomnia (use the access PORTICO to register), or the Being Academy’s course on sleep.

Creative Ways to Care for your Body

Looking for fresh inspiration of ways to care for your body – through movement, nutrition, or meditation? Burnalong’s daily calendar links to a different short online course each day. March features fun recipes and kitchen tips, just in time for National Nutrition Month.

ULS Offers a Break

Remember, both the Philadelphia and Gettysburg campuses of United Lutheran Seminary offer free lodging for up to three nights for rostered leaders who just need a break. Email mzimmann@uls.edu to arrange your place apart.

 



West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod
℅ St. Paul Lutheran Church
309 Baldwin Street, Morgantown, WV 26505
304-363-4030  +  Porter@WV-WMD.org