Council for Health and Human Service Ministries

The Pension Boards Corner

The Stewardship of Health

Trying to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible is more than just a worthwhile personal goal; it is a commitment to the many people who depend upon us each day. Whether it is in the support of our families, the work we do at our jobs or the volunteer work at church or around town, staying healthy is as important to those who look to us for support, friendship and comfort.

Think about the last time you boarded a plane and settled down for the flight. Before anything else happened, the flight attendant gave the standard safety lecture and the little yellow oxygen mask dropped down for all to see. Every one of those lectures ends with this instruction: "If you are traveling with someone whose safety depends upon you, put your own oxygen mask on FIRST, then help others." The same is true about our health. Take care of yourself first so you can take care of others.

The Pension Boards-United Church of Christ is a partner in the health of all persons associated with the church. The plans administered by the Pension Boards can assist in meeting the financial needs of health care costs, retirement income needs, income replacement for disability and family support in the event of death. In addition to supporting financial need, the Health Benefits Plan sponsors and coordinates significant wellness plans that encourage preventative medicine with early detection of illness and assist persons with specific chronic conditions to manage their illness. It's more than just paying claims after the fact; it's a way to try help with that goal of staying healthy.

Most plans are self-funded and are operated without the burden of sales commissions or federal taxes. In addition, as a ministry of the church, the Pension Boards is a non-profit organization that can focus on providing service and benefits rather than profits and stockholder dividends. Originally founded in 1914 to provide retirement income the Pension Boards can today provide the full range of personal benefit plans to support the continued health and wholeness of the people and ministries of the Church. Take care of yourself first so you can take care of others.

November 2009

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