HCSA Balances and Dates
Manulife is aware of an intermittent issue with the Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) in which balances and dates may appear to be incorrect.
Manulife is actively working to resolve this issue.
End-of-Year Benefits Module Selection
As the year comes to a close, members will have the opportunity to review their benefits and choose a benefits module that will take effect on January 1, 2026.
Members wishing to make a change may move to an adjacent module (e.g., from Green to Teal) by completing a Group Benefits Enrollment Form and submitting it to the GSI office no later than Monday, December 1, 2025.
Health module premiums will be available on the GSI website in early November, assisting you and your congregation to consider cost when making your decision.
Please note that if you change modules, your claims history will carry forward. This means that benefits with maximums extending beyond single year (e.g., vision care with a 24-month limit) will not reset when moving to a different module in the future.
Celebrating Achievements of Women and Girls
October is Women’s History Month, first recognized by the Canadian government in 1992. It is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in Canada.
Women’s History in Canada
Women’s History Month celebrates the many accomplishments of women in Canada’s social, cultural, economic and political life. It also recognizes the fight for gender equality, including the historic “Persons Case” decision on October 18, 1929, which affirmed women as “persons” under the law.
The month highlights the diverse experiences of women, especially across race, class and culture, while also focusing on the barriers that still need to be removed. It is a chance to inspire future generations of women and girls. Key dates include International Day of the Girl on October 11 and Persons Day on October 18.
Women in the ELCIC
It’s also a good time to remember Rev. Pamela J. McGee, the first woman ordained into the Lutheran Church of America-Canada section, one of the two denominations that would merge a decade later to form the ELCIC. In May 1976, she was ordained to serve the Morrisburg-Riverside parish along the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. A month later, the Evangelical Lutheran Church Canada would also vote to ordain women.
How things have changed in 49 years! Not only are a substantial percentage of our rostered leaders now women, but our first female National Bishop (Bishop Susan Johnson) has recently retired, two female synodical bishops completed terms, and three women bishops (Bishop Carla Blakley, Bishop Trish Schmermund, and Bishop Kathy Martin) are currently serving the Eastern, ABT, and BC Synods. At our seminaries, Rev. Dr. Faith Rohrbough served as President at Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon for eight years, and Rev. Dr. Kristine Lund is currently serving as Principal-Dean at Martin Luther University College. Many other female rostered leaders have served and are serving as Assistants to the Bishop, Seminary Deans and Professors, and Campus Ministry Chaplains.
Non-rostered women leaders are invaluable as Music Directors, Board Chairs of congregations and of ELCIC-affiliated organizations, synodical and congregational staff, and youth leaders. They also play key roles in the life of our congregations.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
As we move into October and temperatures begin to dip, this delicious soup will warm you up while nourishing your body.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, chopped
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk or unsweetened almond milk
2 cups vegetable broth
3 cups chopped broccoli florets
1 large carrot, julienned or finely chopped
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (about 2 heaping cups)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, then sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the flour turns golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously.
- Add the broth, broccoli, carrot, and mustard and stir to combine. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.
- Gradually add the cheese, stirring after each addition, until all the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season to taste and serve with croutons, if desired.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Theme: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Expert: Dr. Kayleigh-Ann Clegg, PhD
Ask an Expert Question / Concern: “I am beyond stressed at work and probably on the verge of burnout. When I come home, I can’t stop thinking about work. When I go to bed, my mind won’t stop racing and I wake up before my alarm thinking about work issues. It’s like I can’t turn the worry off. Is there anything I can do?”
Description: We all experience stress; it’s normal, often temporary, and can even be helpful on occasion. Chronic stress, however, can strain our relationships, interfere with our ability to function and work productively, and even cause or worsen physical illness and mental health concerns.
Join CloudMD this month to learn about mindfulness, an effective tool for managing stress. We’ll explore different ways to practice mindfulness and provide practical tools, tips, and strategies you can use in everyday life. Participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to create a personalized mindfulness practice that fits their lifestyle and needs.
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 12:30 PM ET
The recording will be available after the live webinar; register at the same link to see it.
We welcome your questions & feedback!
please write to us: admin@elcicgsi.ca
or call toll free: 1-877-352-4247 (in Winnipeg 204-984-9181)
information and resources can also be found on the GSI website