Endowment Fund

Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior Endowment Fund

“For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.” Ecclesiastes 7:12 (ESV)

What is the Endowment Fund?

The Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior Endowment Fund is a perpetual fund established to provide an orderly and convenient method to receive and administer gifts and bequests for the specific purpose of advancing the mission and ministry of the Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior (LCRS) and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, its districts, seminaries, colleges, institutions, and agencies. Our Vision Statement is “Empowered by God’s Word through the Holy Spirit, we continue the ministry of Christ through meaningful worship; active witnessing; community interaction; holistic care; and providing resources for the Church.”

This fund allows people to support ministry programs both during and beyond their lifetimes. Gifts and bequests given to the fund will be carefully managed by the LCRS EF Board of Managers. Only the investment income (interest, dividends and realized capital gains) is available for distribution subject to the approval of the Voters’ Assembly.

What will a gift to the Fund mean to me?

The Endowment Fund provides a means for us, as Christian stewards, to demonstrate and express in a tangible way, our deep gratitude for God’s many gifts and blessings to us. A gift to the Endowment Fund is a reflection of our faith and Christian love and is over and above our regular support of the ongoing mission and ministry of Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior, and our District and Synod. The members of the LCRS EF Board of Managers will be pleased to meet with you to discuss your participation in the Endowment Fund and what your gift can accomplish.

What programs and ministries might this Fund serve?

• To reach both fellow members and the unchurched

• To expand general mission outreach of LCRS, District and Synod

• To provide funds for the sustenance and training of students enrolled to become pastors, missionaries and commissioned workers

• To help finance capital improvement projects at LCRS

How can I financially participate in the LCRS Endowment Fund’s activities?

There are many ways in which you can participate in the endowment fund’s activities, depending on your desires and financial resources. The more common methods include:

• Remembrance Giving: Gifts may be given in memory of loved ones and friends, in honor of anniversaries, birthdays, baptisms or other special events.

• Gift of Property: A gift of cash, stocks, bonds, real estate or personal property can be given during your lifetime or in a personal will or trust.

• Gift Annuity Arrangements: A gift of money or property that pays the donor income for the rest of his or her life (and the life of a spouse) with the remainder going to the Endowment Fund can be arranged.

• Life Insurance Bequest: The Endowment Fund can be named as a full or partial beneficiary in a life insurance policy for which premiums are paid by the donor, or you may gift a policy to the Endowment Fund.

• Trust: A trust may be created by a donor to provide funds for many uses, including use by the Endowment Fund.

• Retirement Accounts: The Fund can be identified as a beneficiary to all or part of an IRA, 401K, or other specified plan.

• Life Estate Contract: The contributor deeds a personal, residence, farm, or other properties to the Fund while retaining the rights and full benefits of using the property until the contributor elects to transfer the property to the Fund. An immediate income tax and Federal estate tax deduction may be allowed.

Who determines the distribution of Fund earnings?

Suggestions and recommendations coming from congregation members are presented to the Board of Trustees and subsequently to the Voters’ Meeting for approval.

Would my gift be tax deductible?

Although gifts to the fund generally qualify for an income tax deduction, you should seek advice from a tax professional for your particular situation.

For more information about the Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior Endowment Fund please contact the Church Office at 625-2612.