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Christ the
Servant |
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Endowment
Fund Respond to God’s
love |
“You
may be rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion,
and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
2
Corinthians 9:11
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With your continued
support, we are moving toward our target of $25,000. That’s the amount -- set
by members -- that will trigger contributions from CTS, to support our mission
in the community and beyond.
3/17/08: Treasurer's Report
$ 672.90 – Savings certificate
2089.45 – CD
134.52 – 6 shares M&I stock @ 22.42
39.18 – 2 shares Metavante stock @ 19.59
1205.82 – 33 shares J.P. Morgan Chase @ 36.54
$ 4141.87
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CHRIST THE SERVANT’S
OUR 2008 GOAL IS $3,000. |
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2008 Legacy Campaign Up Over $1300 in First Month!
The 2008 goal
for Christ the Servant’s Mission Endowment Fund is well underway with gifts of
over $1300.00 in January. This raises the amount in the fund to $4,300.00. Our goal is $25,000! Distribution to local
and worldwide missions will begin when the goal is reached.
It’s easy to
join those who have already supported the legacy effort. Simply write a check to the CTS Mission
Endowment Fund and either drop it into the collection plate or at the church
office.
Another popular
way to become a member of the legacy effort is to transfer stocks from your
brokerage account to the Endowment Fund stock account. If stocks have increased in value, the direct
transfer eliminates any income tax that would be triggered by sale of the
stocks prior to your gift.
Other members
have decided to include a contribution in their estate documents so they will
be remembered as the impact of Christ the Servant will continue to be felt in
the lives of future members on our community just as our lives are impacted today.
Pastor Rick
or committee members can provide you with complete information
about the fund.
Direct IRA Gifts Possible
An
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule of possible interest to CTS members allows
direct contributions from an IRA to a qualified charity such as the Christ the
Servant Mission Endowment Fund. However,
the rule is presently set to expire at the end of 2007.
Members of Christ the Servant age 70 ½ or older,
who are required to take annual distributions from an IRA, could make a gift
directly to the Mission Endowment Fund. The amount -- up to $100,000 -- would
not be included in the contributor’s annual reportable income providing some
with a tax advantage.
Tax planners point out the contribution would
not be deductible because it is a direct gift.
The provisions are contained in the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and
currently expire on December 31, 2007.
Anyone considering a gift in this manner is
urged to discuss the full details with a tax advisor since tax laws are
complex. Gifts to the fund may be made in many ways including stocks,
insurance, property and cash.
The Mission Endowment Fund is being established
at CTS to fund our stewardship ministry work at home and around the world. It provides our members a means to leave a
legacy focused on the words and teachings of Jesus Christ – Who has risen!
Trust Fund Treasurers
Questions are being asked about ways donations may be made to Christ the Servant’s Mission Endowment Fund!
May
the proceeds of a life insurance policy be paid to the Fund?
Yes! An insurance agent will follow your request to name the CTS Mission Endowment Fund as the policy beneficiary.
Many of us have smaller policies, taken out by our parents when were younger. Policies were often written for $500, $1,000 or $2,000 to defray funeral expenses in event of a sudden death.
Fortunately, most of these policies were not needed for the original purpose. As we entered the world of work, many of us purchased higher value life insurance policies to provide financial protection for our loved ones, and often, for long term savings.
These
larger life insurance policies have replaced the need to earmark the proceeds
of smaller matured insurance policies for family benefits. Renaming the
beneficiaries can provide support for the financial future of our
It’s a painless way to give back, as faithful followers of Jesus Christ – in life and even in death.
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At its annual meeting in January 2005, the CTS congregation passed a resolution that established a fund called “Christ the Servant Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Fund.” A mission endowment fund’s purpose is to “fund mission work at home and around the world, above and beyond the programs supported through regular offerings. A mission endowment fund is stewardship ministry. Christian stewardship involves the faithful management (conserving, developing, and distributing) of all God’s gifts to humankind: the created world, life, time, abilities, and money.”
· View a PowerPoint presentation about the Fund.
The Fund’s Vision
The
vision of the Christ the Servant Mission Endowment Fund is to provide
individuals with the means to leave a legacy focused on mission outreach both
in the local community and throughout the world.
What will the Fund do for our Congregation?
The
Fund will enhance the church’s mission apart from the general operation of the
Congregation. The Fund generates an ongoing source of income, enables the
people of God at Christ the Servant to expand and continue their vision of
stewardship and support, and allows the Congregation to respond to important
needs and new ventures. Financial stewardship need not only be associated
with current income. It can also come from our accumulated resources and
be given as legacy gifts to a vehicle such as a mission endowment fund.
How is the Fund used?
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For outreach into
the community and synod (i.e., grants to seminaries or their students, colleges
or their students, social service agencies, special programs for people in the
local area in spiritual or economic need)
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For missions of the
ELCA nationally and worldwide (i.e., new congregation development, professional
leadership, educational ministries, global mission, evangelism, social
ministries and capital financing)
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For capital
improvements, debt reduction for a building program, or for the development of
any special ministry of the Congregation.
Examples
of fund disbursements could include gifts in support of the following:
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Annual CROP Walk
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Cooperation
Congregations of Waukesha County
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New mission
congregations either locally of throughout the world
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World Hunger Appeal
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Other ministries of
the ELCA or otherwise
What can be given?
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Cash may be given in someone’s name or for no special reason
at all.
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Will Bequests: The Endowment Fund can be the beneficiary of all or a
portion of your estate or the recipient of a specified gift.
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Real Estate: A gift of property held for more than one year can
provide the same federal tax advantages as a gift of securities. You can
also choose to retain the right to live in a donated residence after your gift
has been made.
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Securities: Gifts of appreciated securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds
or other appreciated assets) can also be given to the church’s Endowment Fund.
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IRAs, Profit
Sharing and 401(K)s: Because these
assets can be subject to both income and estate taxes at death, designating the
Endowment Fund as beneficiary can avoid taxes.
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Gifts Providing a
Stream of Income: A number of plans
allow you to make a gift to the Endowment Fund, and in return receive an income
for you, a spouse, children or others. Options include gift annuities and
charitable remainder trusts.
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Life Insurance: There are several ways to give life insurance.
You can give a life insurance policy that you already own, give a new contract,
or name the Endowment Fund as a beneficiary.
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Please consult your
tax advisor regarding federal income tax deductibility of gifts.
How is the Fund managed?
The
Fund is managed by the Endowment Fund Committee, which consists of five voting
members of the Congregation. To make a gift to the Endowment Fund, make
sure that “Christ the Servant Mission Endowment Fund” is designated as
beneficiary. Checks should also be written out the same way.
Distributions will begin when the Fund reaches $25,000, and will be made
annually or at other times as necessary or feasible to carry out the vision of
the Fund.
Legacy League
People
who donate to the Endowment Fund, or designate the Fund as a beneficiary in
their wills are encouraged to “make themselves known” by becoming a member of
the “Legacy League.” Members of the Legacy League will be recognized in the
annual report. Becoming a “Legacy Leaguer” demonstrates that your
commitment to giving extends beyond your lifetime here on earth.
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Q: May I make a gift to the CTS fund while I’m still
alive, or are gifts only accepted from estates?
A: You may designate a gift at any time. You might
want to designate the gift as a memorial to a loved one, or in your name, to
show support for our congregation’s mission. You need not be deceased to
designate a donation to the mission endowment fund. However, the impact of
a contribution for Christ’s mission can last well beyond our lifetime.
Q: Is there a minimum dollar amount needed to contribute to
the fund?
A: No. The amount is your decision and can range from a few
dollars to whatever level you would like to select.
Q: When can we expect to hear about how the funds are being
used?
A: When the total amount contributed to the Christ the
Servant Mission Endowment Fund reaches $25,000 distributions will be made. At
this time, the fund has not reached that target.
Q: I have some stocks that I’m considering signing over to
the endowment fund, is that possible?
A: It certainly is. If you would like to explore the idea
further, please contact Pastor Rick or any member of the Endowment Fund
Committee. Some members may want to consider a gift of real estate, insurance
or other financial instruments. If you have or are preparing a will, it would
be appropriate to designate a gift in the document. The correct
designation is: Christ the Servant Mission Endowment Fund.
If you
have a question about the endowment fund, don’t hesitate to contact us. This is a
way for all of us to use our financial resources to expand Christ the Servant’s
impact in our community and world, even after our deaths.
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The ELCA
Foundation offers a wealth of information concerning legacy and estate
planning:
·
Rev.
Larry Westfield, ELCA Gift Planner
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For
more information on how to donate to the Endowment Fund, or to name the Fund in
your will, contact the CTS church office at 262-542-7100. Or, you may
contact any member of the Endowment Fund Committee:
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Committee Member |
Phone Number |
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Jeff Bonell, Committee Chair |
262-650-8057 |
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Jim Murphy, Communications and Publicity |
262-544-0464 |
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Bill Graffin, Treasurer |
262-513-0721 |
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Dale Pietenpol, Secretary |
262-521-1884 |
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Jeff Marti, Secretary |
262-446-0189 |
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To email entire committee, click here. |
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