Future Focused: Technology integration at your Episcopal Credit Union
By Jennifer Miramontes
One of the biggest challenges faced by small credit unions is the rapid advancement of technology in the banking industry. Many of those who would be best served by our services, as well as those who are most well-equipped to provide stable accounts, have grown up with a device in their hand. If it can’t be done on a phone, it can’t be done. For a small credit union, investing in technology overhauls is daunting. The investment isn’t just an expense that’s not in the budget (just as with our churches, it never is); it’s a new way of thinking, a new way of serving, a new way of believing in doing mission.
Founded in the wake of the 1992 civil unrest, the Episcopal Community Federal Credit Union (Episcopal Credit) received its federal charter in 1994 with the support of many volunteers from parishes around the diocese as well as seed funding from what we now know as Episcopal Relief & Development. As a faith-based credit union, headquartered at St. Paul’s Commons, we serve a low- and moderate-income community that believes in the principle of service to others and responsible investing in the community. This philosophy follows the credit union principle where members pool their savings to make loans to one another and are shareholders of the institution where they save, borrow, and obtain financial services.
As Bishop of Los Angeles John Harvey Taylor notes, “Our credit union began and persists as a ministry of economic justice, enabling individuals and institutions to lay hands on some vital capital to leverage a better future when other lenders pass them by.”
Currently, our credit union provides an abundance of services, including:
- Low-cost financial services for members opening their first account or who need financial counseling, in a supportive, compassionate, bilingual environment with fee-free, direct-deposit checking accounts and co-op debit cards;
- Support for local entrepreneurs in the form of small business loans and loans to churches to assist with much-needed repairs or revenue generating revitalization;
- As an extension of its focus on social justice ministries, the credit union enables members with well-established banking records to help support others in the community as they build a more financially sustainable future
- Support for clergy in establishing credit and providing savings and checking accounts and debit cards.
The credit union is adding even more services. Read more here.
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CPG invites all to discussion of 'health disparities'
The Church Pension Group invites all to "Turning the Tide on Health Disparities: A Discussion on Social Determinants of Health" via Zoom on May 20 at 10 a.m. "The United States healthcare system spends a disproportionate amount of money on clinical care, often neglecting the social determinants of health - underlying factors that contribute to an individual’s health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, many poor, underserved communities suffer from weaker social determinants of health, which directly correlates with inferior health outcomes.
"CPG invites you to join us for the next conversation in our Insights & Ideas series where you will hear from industry leaders who have developed strategies that make grants or investments directly addressing the social determinants of health and improving health outcomes for the poor."
Presenters include CPG officers the Rev. Clayton D. Crawley, chief church relations officer; Mary Kate Wold, CEO and president (moderator); and Christopher Rowe, CFA, managing director, investments; plus Ann Barnes, CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation, and Len Fromer president of Healthcare Initiatives for Turner Impact Capital.
Individuals may submit questions in advance to corpcomm@cpg.org. Register here.
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Task force survey seeks to identify language needs across Episcopal Church
The General Convention Task Force on Translation and Interpretation, formed by Resolution A024, has released a survey to help its work of developing recommendations for determining and prioritizing written materials that should be translated and meetings where interpretation should be provided within The Episcopal Church.
“The survey will help us determine strategy and set priorities to incorporate all members fully into the body of Christ,” said the Rt. Rev. Lucinda Ashby, task force chair.
The online survey is available to the entire church but is being directed to all dioceses and to those parishes that have identified that they use languages other than English in their worship, operations, and service to their communities.
The survey is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, French, Haitian Creole, and Mandarin (Chinese-Traditional).
Responses to the survey should be provided no later than June 2.
Leer en español aquí.
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This week: happening in the next few days
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Reminders: Events and announcements
- Resources & opportunities from the wider church
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Links to information and resources
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UTO webinar will explore the intersection of mental health and gratitude
United Thank Offering will host a webinar titled "Mental Health + Gratitude" on Wednesday, May 17, 9 – 10:30 a.m. PT (12 – 1:30 ET).
Several studies have shown that gratitude can improve physical health – lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, strengthening the immune system, and improving sleep – but did you know that practicing gratitude also affects mental health in very meaningful ways?
Join this panel discussion on how gratitude affects the mental health of those in hospitals, addiction recovery, and senior care facilities—as well as its impact for individuals engaged in coaching leadership development, or spiritual direction.
Hosted by Sherri Dietrich, board president of the United Thank Offering, panelists include the Rev. Sarah Ciavarri, the Rev. Marta Illueca, and the Rev. Erin Jean Warde. Learn more about the panelists and the webinar here.
Register for the workshop here.
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Sojourner's Well series for spiritual directors offers 'tools for supervision' at May 20 workshop
The Center for Spiritual Development invites spiritual directors to "The Sojourner’s Well: Grace and Grit – Tools for Supervision, a workshop on Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in person and via Zoom, led by Lucy Abbot Tucker.
Relationships and experience are often cited as the key ingredients for change to happen in a human being. In the ministries of spiritual direction and supervision, reflection and on-going education should be added. These four ingredients will serve as the basis for this workshop. Using the relationships and experiences of the participants we will consider both self-supervision and supervision with and for others.
The workshop will include:
- Some essential theory related to the practice of supervision.
- Two new supervision models
- Opportunities to observe and participate in practice sessions.
Participants are asked to bring a one-paragraph summary of a recent spiritual direction session.
About the presenter:
Lucy Abbott Tucker has worked in adult formation and the preparation of people for the ministry of spiritual direction for the past 39 years. She worked for many years at the Institute for Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, and has been active in the work of Spiritual Directors International. In addition to her ministry as a spiritual director and supervisor Tucker currently teaches at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She has published several articles on adult formation and the ministry of spiritual direction, and is the author of Spiritual Direction Supervision: Principles, Practices, and Storytelling (SDI Press).
Fee for the workshop – open to spiritual directors only – is $50. To register, or for more information, contact the Center for Spiritual Development at 714.744.3172 or by e-mail at thecsd@csjorange.org. Program and presenter details and a registration link are here.
The Center for Spiritual Development is a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a Roman Catholic order based in Orange, California.
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CFLC/Prism's online 'Exploring Chaplaincy' series slated for May
CFLC (Center for Lay Chaplaincy) and Prism, the diocese's restorative justice ministry, invite the diocesan community to a Zoom series titled "Exploring Chaplaincy," to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in May.
The series will explore the work of chaplains who bring spiritual care to many diverse and challenging contexts. Upcoming dates and topics are:
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May 17: Airport Chaplaincy, with Bishop D.D. Hayes, the Rev. Greg McBayer and Mushin Shasheed, chaplains at Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
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May 24: Port Chaplaincy, with The Mission to Seafarers, which supports men and women working at sea.
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May 31: CFLC and Prism: Clergy and lay chaplaincy ministries in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
For information and to register, click here.
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IRS issues warning about aggressive ERC solicitations
The Employer Retention Tax Credit (ERC) is a Covid-related benefit available to all employers including churches. The diocesan finance office is consulting with our auditors and payroll providers to determine how our churches, schools and institutions should qualify and file for this benefit (especially those organizations, such as missions, that are legally part of the Corporation of the Diocese) and will be issuing guidance within the next month. Until then, churches, schools and institutions are advised to be aware that they may by targeted by aggressive advisors who offer to assist with such claims "at no cost." The IRS has recently issued several urgent notices to be aware of these promotions, which may attempt to push ineligible people to file for this benefit. Click here for more information.
h/t Canon Andy Tomat, treasurer of the diocese
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Resources & opportunities from the wider church | |
Coming in July: New small-group resource on faith, creation care, and eco-justice
[The Episcopal Church – April 25, 2023] “Love God, Love God’s World” is a nine-session, film-based curriculum, ideal for Episcopalians anywhere on the journey with creation care and environmental ministry—from newcomers looking to take their first step to seasoned leaders seeking a transformative small-group experience.
Sessions have a structure similar to the popular Sacred Ground curriculum and include compelling films and readings, faith-based reflections, and discussion questions. Participants will also discover ways to learn, pray, advocate, and conserve.
Topics include:
- Eco-theology and biblical foundations for creation care
- Climate change and climate grief
- Indigenous approaches to creation
- Environmental racism
- Renewable energy
- Resilience and solutions
- Much more
Sign up here to receive a preview and a notification when the curriculum becomes available.
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Episcopal Armed Forces and Federal Ministries offers educational resources in ‘Just War Project’
[The Episcopal Church – April 20, 2023] A multiyear collaboration among academic experts and Episcopal leaders and chaplains culminated this spring in a project that explores just war theology and curates resources for both military chaplains and the public.
Funded by a Constable Grant and called for in a 2015 General Convention resolution, the Military Chaplains Just War Education Project seeks to “advance the study of Just War principles” and to extend “this religious teaching to the formation of the Church’s military chaplains for meeting the pastoral needs of current members of the Armed Services and veterans, including those coping with moral injury and other forms of combat-related trauma.”
The Standing Commission on World Mission partnered with the church’s Armed Forces and Federal Ministries Office on the project, which includes videos featuring military chaplains and academic, government, and military experts; articles on just war, pacifism, and moral injury; and an updated chaplains handbook—all housed on a new webpage.
Read more here.
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Updated business manual for Episcopal churches available for download
At its February 2023 meeting the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church approved the latest revision of the Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs, which may be downloaded as a PDF here.
Among other changes, Chapter V – Clergy Discretionary Funds, has been rewritten to reflect current practices. The updated manual is available in English; update of the Spanish-language version is in progress. A simple print version may be ordered by contacting the Episcopal Church finance office at nduverseau@episcopalchurch.org. The cost, including postage, is $20
Topics covered in the 163-page manual include:
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Financial Management: Budget methods, process. implementation and review. Cash management, long-term financing, and investment management.
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Internal Controls: Segregation of duties, documentation, payroll, purchasing, banking, information technology, safeguards.
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Bookkeeping: Bookkeeping for cash, payroll, loans, investments and discretionary funds. Journaling, general ledger, depreciation, and financial statements.
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Taxes and the Episcopal Church: Payroll taxes, travel and business expense reporting, tax exempt status, unrelated business income tax.
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Clergy Discretionary Funds: Guidelines for structure and use of a class of temporarily restricted or designated funds generally known as clergy discretionary funds.
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Audit Guidelines for Congregations: Purpose, pre-audit preparation, approved auditors, filing, audit program checklist, sample audit reports.
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Risk Management and Insurance: Physical assets and revenues, civil liability, management liability, workplace injuries, safeguarding against criminal acts, employee welfare.
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Parochial Reports: Background, filing, canons.
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Records Management: Keeping business records, classes of records, electronic management, retention and disposition, general retention schedule.
Appendices provide copies of commonly used forms and sample letters and a glossary of terms.
h/t Canon Andy Tomat, treasurer of the diocese
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Episcopal Church 'Beloved Community' ministry offers resources to respond to racism, police brutality, and community trauma
From a special edition of the "Becoming Beloved Community Newsletter," which also includes a reflection titled "We Must Stop Forgetting" by the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, canon to the presiding bishop for evangelism, reconciliation and creation care.
[Episcopal Church Office for Racial Reconciliation – January 31, 2023] As we grieve with the family, friends, and loved ones of Tyre Nichols, we stand and cry for justice alongside all those targeted by police violence. The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Team has culled this short set of resources for anyone seeking to make prayerful, meaningful change within us and our society.
General Resources
Episcopal Racial Reconciliation Resources, including sections on how to ACT, PRAY and LEARN:
Police Reform
Racial Justice Action and Prayer
A Year of Prayers to End Racism
Scriptures related to justice, lament, and solidarity, to assist with preparing a liturgy, finding direction and encouragement, or calling communities to work for justice:
- Exodus 22:21-23
- Micah 6:8
- Isaiah 58:6-12
- Isaiah 61
- Psalms 10, 13, 89, and 103
- Luke 4:16-21
- Ephesians 6:12-20
- Hebrews 13:1-3
- Hebrews 13:1-3
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'StorySharing' program offers resources for congregations, communities, groups
[The Episcopal Church] Beloved Community StorySharing, a project of The Episcopal Church's Evangelism Ministries and the Becoming Beloved Community Vision for Racial Healing, Reconciliation and Justice, seeks to help faith communities and individuals to share and receive stories of faith, race, and difference.
Episcopal churches everywhere are encouraged to explore and practice StorySharing within the congregation, between different episcopal congregations near and far, and with family, friends, neighbors, faith communities, and civic partners.
Click here to view and download the Beloved Community StorySharing Guidebook.
The guidebook is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
The Guidebook includes several elements designed to support church leaders in adopting a StorySharing practice. These resources include:
- Basic principles for cultivating an environment of respect and justice, like listening to be transformed; assuming “response-ability,” and translating insider-church language to personal and accessible words.
- Facilitators’ guidelines, including explaining techniques to the group; managing cross-talk; and knowing when to intervene.
- StorySharing prompts to spark stories on faith in a church-related setting, faith in a secular setting, race and identity, and difference.
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Episcopal Service Corps seeks applicants for 2023-24 service year
[The Episcopal Church - December 1, 2022] The Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) invites young leaders ages 21 to 32 interested in a transformative outreach and discernment experience to apply online for the 2023-24 program year.
Potential applicants are encouraged to take ESC’s online discernment quiz.
Episcopal Service Corps is a network of young adults who commit at least one year to transforming themselves and the world through community building, local collaboration, prayer, and action while living in locally organized intentional communities within the U.S. Each corps member serves at a community-based nonprofit and receives housing, health coverage, spiritual direction, mentorship, and stipends to cover living expenses, transportation, and food.
Many corps members move into positions of leadership within their churches, the wider Episcopal Church, and community organizations.
“Young adults participating in ESC come from all over the United States and all walks of life,” said Wendy Johnson, manager of the ESC network for The Episcopal Church. “For more than 20 years, ESC has been built on the belief that change happens when we bring together diverse teams of committed and passionate young leaders and support them as they tackle some of our nation’s most difficult challenges.”
Questions about Episcopal Service Corps? Visit the ESC website or email esc@episcopalchurch.org.
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Listings for clergy employment are here. (Scroll down the page.)
Listings for lay employment are here.
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Resource Roundup, a weekly publication for clergy, wardens, church office staff and lay leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, is emailed on Tuesdays. Items for inclusion may be sent to Janet Kawamoto, editor, at news@ladiocese.org by noon on Monday. | | | | |
