PLANNED GIVING

The Rectors'/Adult Forum for October will cover this program in detail. Mike Penfield from the Diocese will lead the hour-long program. He has been the point person and has considerable experience establishing and conducting such programs. We are fortunate to have his leadership and expertise to launch our program. Please plan to attend and learn how this program functions and fits into your estate planning activities.

Below is some definitive information about the program.

WHAT IS A PLANNED GIFT? .

A planned gift is one that requires some professional help from someone, such as a

lawyer, and accountant or a financial planner. Planned giving is usually done as part of a person's overall financial and estate planning. The most common planned gifts are made as bequests in a will or living trust. Other types of planned gifts include charitable trusts and annuities, insurance plans and many other diverse forms. Most, if not all, of the planned gifts received by churches are in the form of bequests from a donor's will or living trust.

WHY PARTICIPA TE IN PLANNED GIVING? ..

Money, stewardship and giving are a fundamental part of our Christian walk. The

scriptures tell us that God owns everything. He has called us to be stewards of the

resources he has entrusted to us. Giving is as much of an act of worship as prayer, reading the word, and praising in song. Through giving, the believer acknowledges God's ownership in:giving back what came from God.

"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase."

       Peter 3:9

WHY DO PEOPLE MAKE GIFTS?

Planned gifts are usually given in the hope that they will benefit the future ministry of

the church. Charity comes naturally to Christians. It is part of their daily worship. But that is to say that donors are aware of the other advantages to be gained from making a gift besides the spiritual mandate to use their bounty for good works. There are several advantages that may be available to the donor in making a planned or deferred gift.  These include:

          The Cake

                 The satisfaction of giving while one is still living

                 The knowledge that after death, one's gift will keep on giving .

          The Frosting

.                  A possible avoidance of capital gains tax .

                  A potential reduction in estate tax

Note that the last two advantages are not relevant until one of the first two are satisfied.