“As each has received a gift, employ it for another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace, whoever renders it by the strength which God supplies, in order that in everything God may be glorified.”    1 Peter 4:10-11

•  What is the First Lutheran Trust Fund?  

  First Lutheran Church has a living endowment of faithful members who have generously supported      the work of the church with their gifts and talents.  To further extend their stewardship, the congregation voted in 1984 to establish a permanent trust fund.

   

•  What is the purpose of the trust fund?

The purpose of the First Lutheran Church Trust Fund is to enhance the work of the church by continuing its existing ministries and stewardship opportunities and establishing new ones.

Gifts to the trust fund will serve as an expression of the gratitude and appreciation felt toward First Lutheran.  Such gifts can memorialize loved ones with greater effectiveness and permanence than with one-time gifts.  And, they will expand the horizons of First Lutheran Church.

•  What can the trust fund do?

The First Lutheran Trust Fund is set up to receive and administer gifts, grants, bequests, insurance policies, and other assets given to First Lutheran and not part of the general fund.

The principle of these gifts will be preserved, and the income will be used according to the guidelines of the trust fund.

•  How are the Trust fund committee members chosen?

The Trust Fund Committee has five members elected by the congregation with the senior pastor and a council representative serving as ex-officio members.

The members of the Trust Fund Committee have one primary objective:  to make the Trust Fund a reliable source of support for the work of First Lutheran Church.  They are ready to work with you, to answer your questions and help you in planning your gift to make First Lutheran increasingly effective in carrying on its expanding program of activities.  For additional information about the trust fund, contact any members of the committee.

•  How can I participate?

You are invited to participate in the First Lutheran Church Trust Fund.  Your gift may be given in recognition of graduations, marriages, anniversaries, and other significant life events, or in memory of loved ones.  Gifts to the First Lutheran Church Trust Fund will make it possible for additional money to be provided for the mission and ministry of First Lutheran Church.

• Cash Contributions: Unrestricted cash contributions are highly desirable because such gifts can be   used where First Lutheran’s needs are greatest.  However, donors may designate that contributions be used for projects in which they are especially interested.  Cash contributions are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal regulations.

• Real estate and securities: Tax regulations on gifts or securities allow tax deductions on the basis of present market values, regardless of the amount originally paid. Accordingly, a substantial tax savings is realized:  higher income tax deduction on your gift and no capital gains tax.

• Bequests and trusts:  A bequest is a gift by a will.  A will assures that your property will be distributed in accordance with your wishes.  Because a will is a legal document, be sure it is written for you by your lawyer.  Bequests to the trust fund are free of state and federal estate taxes and inheritance taxes.

• Life Insurance: Both new and existing insurance policies may be used for gifts to the Trust Fund. In all cases, the trust fund must be named irrevocably as the beneficiary.  Premiums are tax deductible and proceeds payable to the trust fund upon your death are exempt from estate taxes. Life insurance makes it possible for you to finance a sizeable gift to the trust fund by the payment of relatvely small annual premiums.

•  May I designate a use for my contribution to the Trust Fund?

Yes.  The First Lutheran Church Trust Fund has three separate funds:

1. Property Fund- To maintain and improve the physical facilities and property of the congregation.  

2. Congregational Program Fund- For support and expansion of the ministries within this geographical area which the congregation recognizes as providing service in harmony with the purposes of the Christian Church.

3. General Benevolence Fund- For the support of existing programs, ministries and world missions of our church body, and for the establishment of new programs or ministries which convey the Gospel beyond our parish borders out to people in our own land or in other nations.

Undesignated gifts will be divided among these three funds.