Does your church have a website you'd like to add to the ELCA's directory? Submit it here (external link).
Calling a Pastor (download .pdf file) is a recommended guide for use in congregations in the EaND Synod. (Updated 1/30/08)
The recommended remuneration for Sunday supply preaching in the Eastern North Dakota Synod is $100 for a single service and $50 for each additional service, plus mileage at the current Internal Revenue Service guideline of $.48.5/mile. It is recommended to make reimbursement as soon as possible.
The Pulpit Supply List (download .pdf file) consists of Clergy/AiM/Diaconal, GIFTS program participants/alumni, and laypersons. You may also contact Jean Peterson at 701-232-3381 or jean@eandsynod.org for further information. (Updated 3/26/08)
The ELCA Office of the Secretary has an Active Records Management (external link) document advising what documents to keep and for how long.
This synod document includes guidelines for salary of ordained staff and pulpit supply rates. Download the 2008 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines (download .pdf file).
Also see the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the Eastern North Dakota Synod (download .pdf file).
The state of North Dakota requires employers to post several state and federal labor posters in a conspicuous place. You can download these posters, free of charge, from www.state.nd.us/labor/publications/posters.html (external link).
Learn what your congregation can and can’t do politically. The ELCA Advocacy Tool Kit (external link) contains helpful guides from the IRS, ELCA legal counsel, and Lutheran Services in America.
Pat Bacon, the synod financial coordinator has the job of processing congregational gifts. She also provides support and resources for treasurers about congregational financial matters. Several of these links and forms are included below. Contact Pat Bacon at pat@eandsynod.org with any questions or comments.
A newly-developed comprehensive Congregational Audit Guide (external link) is available from ELCA.org to help answer questions regarding congregational audits.
The ELCA Board of Pensions (external link) has a Benefits Administration Guide (external link) which includes useful information for rates, forms, calculators, and instructions for the ELCA's pensions and health plan. The Board of Pensions can also be contacted toll free at 800-352-2876. A printable format and worksheet for manually determining insurance costs are available on the last two pages of the 2008 Compensation and Benefits Guidelines (download pdf)
The Resources for Congregational Treasurers and Bookkeepers (external link) document is very helpful and covers many topics including:
The Housing and Furnishings Document (download .pdf) provides information on establishing and documenting a pastor’s housing and furnishings allowance.
The Internal Revenue Services (external link) has a section for Churches and Religious Organizations (external link) to provide treasurers with guidelines on tax topics and contribution substantiation, including Publication 1828 "Tax Guide for Churches and Religious Organizations", which contains information on a number of tax issues as they apply to churches.
IRS 501(c)(3) Exempt Status:
If your congregation needs a certification letter proving federal tax exemption ruling, request it electronically by emailing to 501c3@elca.org. In the subject line, enter 501(c)(3) Exempt Status, and send it. You will receive an automatic reply asking for specific information. Once verified, the ELCA will send the certification letter and attachments to you electronically via pdf format.
IRS Mileage Rate:
The 2008 IRS mileage rate for business reimbursement is 50.5¢ per mile, moving is 19¢ per mile, and volunteer rate is 14¢ per mile.
The treasurer will receive a supply of the Contribution Remittance Forms by mail each January. A generic remittance form (download .pdf file) is also available.
Understanding the Terms:
Mission Support represents undesignated gifts from congregations to the synod that support the synod general budget (this includes churchwide ministries). Mission Support was previously known as Benevolence.
Designated Gifts are contributions from congregations given through the synod for specific ministries or programs of the ELCA and Eastern ND Synod. Examples would include Missionary Sponsorship (external link), World Hunger (external link) or the EaND Synod Endowment Fund.
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EaND Synod Office
1703 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 58103
(Get Directions)
Phone: 701-232-3381
Toll Free: 877-895-4598
Fax: 701-232-3180