Church-sponsored plans (BenefitsLink.com)Headlines re Church-sponsored plans, gathered by BenefitsLink.com2007 Year-End Compliance Reminders for Defined Contribution Plans not Subject to ERISA (PDF)- (Found June 29, 2008 ) 3 pages. Excerpt: "This information applies to defined contribution plans, such as qualified governmental plans (including 'grandfathered' 401(k) plans), qualified church plans that do not elect to be covered by ERISA ('non-electing church plans'), 403(b) programs, and section 457 plans that are not subject to Title I of ERISA. Every year, defined contribution plan sponsors should make sure their plans meet certain compliance requirements, including those listed below. This publication...http://www.prudential.com/media/managed/PruPA_Year-End_Reminders07-NE.pdf Members of Ministry Rich in Spirit, Poor in Funds for Retirement- (Found June 29, 2008 ) Excerpt: "A SOCIOLOGIST'S STUDY cites low pay, little savings and church-owned homes as factors contributing to ministers' bleak financial outlooks." (The Christian Chronicle)http://www.christianchronicle.org/article821~Rich_in_spirit,_poor_in_funds_for_retirement Escalating Health-Care Costs Hit Churches as Insurance for Pastors Draining the Coffers- (Found June 29, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Declining church memberships, combined with aging clergy, rocketing health-care costs and dwindling donations, are creating conflicts for church leaders who are caught between caring for their ministers and managing budgets. At the same time, national researchers have found that mainline Protestant ministers tend to be more overweight, stressed and depressed -- all of which carry significant health risks -- than the general population." (The Washington Post; free...http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022202446.html 'Faith Care' Helps Families Beat High Premiums - Christian Plans Aren't Insurance- (Found June 29, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Christian Care Medi-Share is a charitable ministry that collects monthly contributions and disburses them among members to pay medical bills." (The News and Observer)http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/996079.html Opinion The ERISA Church Plan Exception: Why the Lown Test is Improperly Narrow- (Found June 29, 2008 ) Excerpt: "Part I of this Comment generally discusses the ERISA church plan exception, and how it has been interpreted by the Department of Labor. Part II discusses the judicial interpretation of the exception, and demonstrates how courts are not giving full effect to the statutory language." (Alliance Defense Fund)http://www.alliancealert.org/2008/05/20/the-erisa-church-plan-exception-why-the-lown-test-... Overview: Pension Protection Act of 2006 -- Changes to Defined Benefit Governmental & Church Plans (PDF)- (Found June 29, 2008 ) 7 pages. Excerpt: "This is one of a series of Pension Analyst publications providing information on specific aspects of the 2006 pension reform legislation affecting defined benefit plans. This publication focuses on those changes that are effective in 2006 and 2007 for defined benefit governmental plans and church plans that do not elect to be covered by ERISA ('non-electing church plans')." (Prudential Retirement)http://www.prudential.com/media/managed/PensAnalyst.PPA06.GovtChurch.pdf |