How to Give
There are numerous ways to support the work of this church.
Our annual stewardship campaign is our largest and most critical form of revenue for the church. The campaign takes place in the early fall when our proposed budget for the following year is mailed out to the homes of each member along with a pledge card. Promise Sunday, when all pledge promises are collected in worship and blessed at the altar, usually takes place in October. (To download a Pledge Form, click here)
The church can also be included in estate planning, ensuring a legacy gift bequeathed in your name. Every year, five percent of this Endowment Fund, valued at over $1 million dollars, is transferred to the operating fund. It too is a critical source of income for the church and supports our annual operating budget. (Read more below.)
Many members also enjoy supporting our Christian Service Fund, which offers financial assistance to those in need in and around our neighborhood and within our congregation. Gas cards and gift cards to local grocery stores are on-hand for the ministers to dispense upon request and at their discretion. Additionally, over the years, the CSF has enabled us to help those whose rent is due and funds are elusive.
Collection plates are passed during each service. Frequently throughout the year, we will conduct special offerings that support various charitable organizations and ministries.
Our business manager, Lori O'Neil, can help answer any questions you may have regarding giving to our operating budget, Christian Service Fund, or any number of memorial funds. You may contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ext. 221.
MORE ABOUT OUR ENDOWMENT FUND
What is the Endowment Fund?
The Endowment Fund was established in 1979 as the permanent endowment fund of our church. It was created to assure the future of our church by providing a source of regular, predictable income while preserving the principal. The resolution adopted by our congregation states that the fund is to provide income for the religious, charitable and educational purposes of the church. The principal of the fund is to be preserved and can be accessed only for emergency purposes by a two-thirds vote of the congregation.
Valued at over $1.1 million as of June 30, 2009, the fund pledged $53,000 to the 2009 operating budget of the church. With the exception of member pledges, the fund is the single most significant income source available for the work and ministry of the church.
How does the Fund grow?
Regular estate planning gifts from members of our church contribute to the growth of the fund. Generous bequests, undesignated memorials and special offerings also contribute. Most often, gifts are given through estate planning bequests under wills and trusts, insurance payouts, gifts of real estate and gift annuities.
Tax-deductible gifts to the fund can also be made during one's lifetime as memorials or in celebration of a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion. The recent revision to the church constitution also authorizes donor-designated funds to be received as part of the Endowment Fund (with Finance Committee concurrence). This option might appeal to a donor who wants to enhance a particular ministry or activity of the church through a current gift of an endowment.
How is the Fund managed?
The Fund is managed by the Endowment Fund Committee of the church. This committee consists of 5-9 members. The committee annually reconsiders its investment policy and uses a professional money manager. The assets of the fund are held in an investment account separate from the general accounts of the church.
How do you learn more about the Endowment Fund and how to make contributions for the long-term benefit of the church?
The Endowment Fund Committee members are available to talk with church members and others about ways to make gifts. The committee can also put you in touch with professional advisors who can address legal or tax issues associated with a gift.
Doug Brown (Chair) l 708/352-1160 l This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
