Churches will a full-time clergy member will be receiving a rebate. As a result of good market returns and a history of low medical claims, the Board of Pensions has accumulated excess funds.

The Board has voted to distribute the excess as follows: 1) $75,000 to the Thrive capital campaign to help pay for the pension and health benefits of pastors serving new congregations,  2) Pension and Health Rebates to churches up to $1,500, and 3) Individual $100 Wellness Incentive Rebates to active pastors and spouses.

"It is the hope of the Board that this action will be a blessing to our pastors, churches, and future churches in the effort of making disciples of Jesus Christ," said Jeff Pospisil, Dakotas Conference Director of Finance and Administration.

Pospisil reported that one church had already anticipated how they might utilize the rebate funds.  "One church has already called and asked that the rebated funds be distributed to the 2015 Miracle Offering."  The 2015 Miracle Offering is designated to support the denomiation's Imagine No Malaria campaign and will be received on Friday, June 5, 2015 in Fargo at the 2015 Annual Conference Session.