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May is Global Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize a crucial truth: mental health isn’t optional—it’s essential. Just as we care for our physical wellbeing, nurturing our mental and emotional health plays a vital role in living a balanced, fulfilling life.

Mental health shapes how we think, feel, relate to others, and handle daily life. By taking care of our mental wellbeing, we build resilience, sharpen our focus and creativity, and nurture stronger relationships. Above all, it’s a reminder that it’s okay to struggle, and reaching out for support is always a valuable step.

Why Mental Health Awareness Matters

• It reduces stigma. Open conversations help normalize mental health challenges and encourage people to seek help sooner.
• It improves overall wellbeing. Good mental health supports better sleep, stronger physical health, and increased engagement.
• It builds stronger teams. When people feel psychologically safe and supported, they’re more likely to thrive and collaborate.

Small Actions Can Make a Big Difference

Caring for your mental health doesn’t require major changes. A few simple, everyday habits can help:

• Take short breaks during the day to reset and recharge
• Stay connected—reach out to a colleague, friend, or loved one
• Set healthy boundaries between work and personal time
• Practice self‑compassion and challenge negative self‑talk

Support Is Always Available

Mental health experiences are deeply personal, but no one should have to navigate them alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply not yourself, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Explore your EFAP, or consider speaking with a mental health professional.

This May (and every month!), let’s continue to create a community where mental health matters. Check in with yourself. Check in with each other. Together, we can foster a healthier, more compassionate workplace for all.

The Pension and Benefits Administration System (PABAS) Member Portal is open now through May 15, 2026, allowing you to enter:

• Pension beneficiary(ies), and

• Life insurance beneficiary(ies) (for benefits eligible members)

You will receive a letter this week from the Benefits Centre with more information about this eBeneficiary campaign and the steps on how to designate your beneficiary(ies).

If you want to get a head start, you can find an electronic copy of the letter below, and step-by-step instructions can be found on the PABAS page of the Benefits Centre website.

English eBeneficiary letter

French eBeneficiary letter

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at pabas-go-live@united-church.ca or at 1-855-647-8222.

In our busy day-to-day lives, movement can easily become just another task to check off the list. Mindful movement invites us to slow down and reconnect by being fully present as we move—tuning into our bodies, breathing with intention, and letting go of distractions rather than focusing on performance or outcomes. Practiced this way, physical activity supports not only strength, but also mental health, emotional wellbeing, reduced stress, improved focus, and a greater sense of balance throughout the day. 

What does mindful movement look like? 

Mindful movement doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can include: 

• A gentle stretch break between meetings 

• A short walk outdoors while noticing your surroundings 

• Yoga, tai chi, or Pilates at your own pace 

• Slow, intentional movements paired with deep breathing 

• Light strength or mobility exercises done with awareness and control 

Easy ways to integrate it into your routine 

• Start small: Even five minutes of intentional movement can make a difference. 

• Check in with your body: Notice areas of tension and adjust your movements accordingly. 

• Focus on your breath: Let your breath guide your pace and rhythm. 

• Be kind to yourself: There’s no “right” way—what matters is how it feels for you. 

Mindful Movement Challenge 

Choose one moment each workday to practice mindful movement for five minutes, then pay attention to how your body feels before and after: 

1. Pause what you’re doing and take a few slow, deep breaths 

1. Move gently—stretch, walk, or shift positions with intention 

At the end of the week, reflect: 

• Did you notice a change in your energy or stress levels? 

• Did taking a pause help you feel more grounded or focused? 

Small, mindful moments add up. Just remember, wellness is a journey, not a destination, so keep moving in ways that feel good to you. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen the Care Navigation experience, plan members will now see Medical Second Opinion listed under Telemedicine on GreenShield+. This enhancement, introduced on January 1, directs members to a cobranded landing page where they can easily submit a request online. Members who prefer phone support can continue to reach Novus Health directly at 1‑855‑908‑1275 to speak with a Health Information Specialist. 

What this means for plan members 

Beginning January 1, 2026: 

• Teladoc Medical Experts will no longer accept new requests. They will, however, continue supporting any cases opened before January 1, 2026, ensuring uninterrupted care for members and their dependents. 

• All new medical second opinion requests will be handled by Novus Health, offering a more integrated experience within GreenShield+. 

Get answers to your questions 

Novus Health’s Medical Second Opinion Program can help you get answers to your questions, such as: 

• Do I have the right diagnosis? 

• Are there other treatment options I should consider? 

• Are there any clinical trials currently available for my condition? 

This transition strengthens the long‑term vision for Care Navigation and ensures members continue receiving trusted, high‑quality guidance when navigating important health decisions. 

Women’s health evolves in meaningful ways from youth through later adulthood. Each life stage brings its own set of changes - physical, emotional, and hormonal - so in recognition of International Women’s Day on March 8, we’re highlighting the importance of awareness, proactive care and early support for women at every stage of life. 

During their lifetime, women may experience shifts in menstrual health, reproductive needs, fertility, mental wellbeing, and later in life, the transition through perimenopause and menopause. Understanding these changes helps women make informed decisions and seek support that reflects their unique needs at each stage. 

This month, we’re focusing on awareness around women’s health, with an emphasis on: 

• recognizing how health needs shift over time - what you can get away with in your 20s may not be the same as in your 40s! 

• encouraging regular preventive care (HPV and mammograms) 

• supporting emotional and mental wellbeing 

• promoting open conversations and reducing stigma 

• encouraging use of available benefits and resources, like EFAP 

Every woman’s journey is different—but access to information, care, and supportive environments can make a significant difference in long-term health and quality of life. 

By increasing awareness, we can create space for understanding, empowerment, and healthier outcomes for women at every age. 

Just a reminder, if you want to access your EFAP services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account. 

Website: one.telushealth.com

Username: unitedchurch 

Password: eap

We previously shared that GreenShield would be moving to mandatory receipt uploads for all claims submitted through GreenShield+ starting March 4, 2026. GreenShield has now advised that this transition has been deferred, and there is no new implementation date at this time.

What this means for you:

• No changes will be made to the current claims submission process.
• Any earlier messaging about mandatory uploads should be considered paused.
• GreenShield has removed related information from its channels.

You can keep submitting claims the same way through GreenShield+, just remember to hold on to your receipts in case they’re needed later.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Benefits Team at Benefits@united-church.ca

Pension Awareness Day on February 19 is a reminder of how important it is to understand and make the most of your pension. Even if retirement feels far away, learning about your United Church pension plan and the benefits it provides can help you and your loved ones build a stronger financial future. The earlier you start planning and saving, the more prepared and comfortable you’ll be when life after work finally arrives!

The Power of Financial Literacy: What you need to know

Financial literacy is more than understanding money — it’s about feeling confident in the decisions that shape your future. Learning the basics now makes it much easier to build long-term financial security.

Know your retirement goals

Think about the lifestyle you want — compare what you spend today with what you might spend once you stop working.

Expect some costs to change — fewer work expenses, different priorities like travel or hobbies, and possible health-related costs.

Use simple planning tools — the Government of Canada’s Retirement Income Calculator can help you estimate future income and expenses.

Attend our Pension Information Seminar - learn about how the plan works, what it costs, what it provides, and how to apply for your pension when you're ready. The next session is February 19 starting at 1:00 p.m. EST.

Understand what shapes your retirement

• When you want to retire and what kind of lifestyle you hope to maintain.
• Whether you’ll work part-time or relocate.
• Any debts you may still carry and whether you’ll have other financial support, such as a spouse’s pension or personal savings.
• Where you plan to live — downsizing or staying put can affect your long-term costs.
• Try tools like checklists or quizzes to help clarify your goals and identify gaps.

Start saving now

• Saving early gives your money more time to grow through compound interest.
• Inflation matters — programs like the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP)/Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) adjust for inflation.
  • Please note - there is no automatic indexing in the United Church pension plan.
• Check how our plan works by visiting the Pension Plan page.
• Use calculators or talk to a financial professional to estimate how much you’ll need.

The Bottom Line

Building financial literacy today sets you up for a more secure and fulfilling retirement tomorrow. Understanding your lifestyle, planning ahead, and using available tools can make a meaningful difference in your future comfort and confidence!

Thursday, February 19, 2026 | Starting at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT 

Click here for the start times in each of Canada’s Time Zones

The United Church of Canada provides a Defined Benefit Pension Plan for all employees who work more than 14 hours a week. Join us to learn about how the plan works, what it costs, what it provides, and how to apply for your pension when you're ready. In this program we'll describe:

• what a "defined benefit plan" is
• how costs and benefits are determined
• other ways that you might plan for retirement, including personal savings, government benefits, and coordination with other pension or benefits plans you may have access to
• options to consider as you prepare to retire.

Register here for the Zoom session! 

If you have any questions, please contact Shenagh Rosa, Pension and Governance Advisor, at srosa@united-church.ca 

February often brings attention to heart health, but it’s also the perfect moment to reflect on the powerful connection between your emotional wellbeing and your physical health. These two parts of your life don’t operate in isolation; they influence each other every day.

When stress, worry, or emotional strain builds up, your body often feels it too. Fatigue, tension, changes in sleep, and shifts in energy can all be signs that your emotional wellbeing needs attention. And the reverse is just as true - when your body feels strong and supported, your mind is better equipped to stay balanced, focused, and resilient.

Healthy Heart & Mind Tips

• Move in ways you enjoy
  • Gentle stretching, walking meetings, dancing in your kitchen — anything that gets your body moving can lift your mood and support overall wellbeing.
• Take mindful pauses during the day
  • A few slow breaths or a quiet moment away from your screen can help reset your nervous system and reduce tension.
• Stay connected with people who energize you
  • Positive social interactions can boost emotional resilience and help you feel supported.
• Choose foods that make you feel steady and nourished
  • Balanced meals and snacks can help maintain consistent energy and support both physical and emotional stability.
• Prioritize sleep routines that help you unwind
  • A calming wind‑down ritual — dim lights, light reading, or gentle music — can make a big difference in how rested you feel.
• Spend a few minutes outdoors
  • Fresh air, natural light, and a change of scenery can boost clarity and calmness.

Your emotional and physical wellbeing are deeply connected. February is a great time to reflect on that relationship and explore what helps you feel more grounded, energized, and well.

Just a reminder, if you want to access your EFAP services such as online appointment booking and live chat, you will need to create a personal account. Follow these steps to set up your account.

Website: one.telushealth.com

Username: unitedchurch

Password: eap

Starting March 4, 2026, GreenShield will be transitioning to mandatory receipt uploads for all claims submitted through GreenShield+. This means rather than keeping receipts for future audits, members will be required to upload it during the claim submission, and GS+ will store it securely*. If you are not already doing so, we recommend adopting this practice now.

*All member data is processed/stored within Canada. They use Toronto-based servers that have been audited to meet the highest standards for data security. This includes multiple on-site and off-site encrypted backups, intrusion prevention and detection systems, and various safeguards.