Dear Partner in Ministry,

We are richly blessed. God has given us each many gifts including the wonders of the natural world, the blessings of friends and family, the talents and abilities we possess, and our financial and material resources. All are gifts from God.

Christian stewardship involves the faithful management of all God’s gifts. As part of that management we are called by God to support his ministry generously and without hesitation.

Many people give regularly to support the ongoing activities of the congregation. In addition to this important support, members may choose to share their bountiful resources with others either as a gift while living or as a planned distribution of their estate when they are at last called home to Christ.

Please review the frequently asked questions below to learn more about the Fund and to discover how you can help ensure its success as a legacy for the future of First Lutheran Church.

We encourage you to support the fund to the greatest extent you are able.

Yours in Christ,

The Endowment Fund Committee of First Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Illinois

 

Frequently Asked Questions What is the Mission of the First Lutheran Church Endowment Fund? What is the Fund? How is the Fund administered? How will the Fund be managed? When will income be dispersed? How can gifts be made to the Fund? What are the Fund’s Target Ministries? How do I get more information?

What is the Mission of the First Lutheran Church Endowment Fund?

The First Lutheran Church Endowment Fund is dedicated to the advancement of Christ’s gospel to all His children by providing for existing ministries, extending the church’s ministry beyond these programs, and by providing resources to meet future needs.

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What is the Fund?

It is a vehicle designed to receive gifts and appreciated resources from members, their families and friends. It is a perpetual fund from which only the earnings are distributed for the faithful management of one of God’s gifts to humankind: our financial gifts. The Fund is separate and distinct from day to day operating funds of the church which are provided by members annual pledges and regular weekly offerings.

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How is the Fund administered?

The Endowment Fund Committee is made up of the church treasurer and six other church members with the senior pastor as advisor. The committee is responsible for making policy recommendations to the church council and implementing these policies in relation to the professional management teams and disbursement of the gifts as well as counseling and communicating with members.

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How will the Fund be managed?

The Endowment Fund is professionally managed and provides income to the church based upon our Fund’s market value. The income will provide support for First Lutheran Church’s target ministries or an individualized plan.

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When will income be dispersed?

The fund is intended to exist in perpetuity, which means the principal investment will not be diminished by withdrawals. A portion of the income generated will be distributed on an annual basis at the discretion of the Fund Committee. The more our fund grows, the larger the income will be that it provides.

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How can gifts be made to the Fund?

• Outright Gifts
  Cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, or assignment of life insurance policies
• Remainder Interest
  Naming the Fund as a remainder interest in a retirement plan, IRA, Keogh account, savings account, C.D., life estate (home), charitable life income remainder/trust/annuity, or a revocable living trust
• Gifts by Bequest (the giving of assets through a will)
  Specific/primary bequests of a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific piece of property
  Residuary bequests, which designate the Fund to receive the remainder of your estate after all specific bequests have been made
  Contingent bequests, which designate the Fund as the beneficiary if other beneficiaries do not survive.
• Individualized Plans

Gifts can be given anonymously or in memory or honor of someone. Except where specifically instructed by the donor, income from the gifts will be used toward First Lutheran Church’s target ministries.

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What are the Fund’s Target Ministries?

• Youth Outreach – within our congregation and in the larger community
• Adults and Seniors Outreach – within our congregation and in the larger community
• Christian Education – programs to enhance understanding of the gospel for youth and adults
• Capital Improvements – remodeling buildings, new construction, or debt reduction
• Music Ministry – programs to celebrate God’s blessings and spread His message through music
• Campus Ministry – to students at Northern Illinois University or other Christian college funds
• Multi-Cultural Ministry – outreach to believers newly arrived to our community from other cultures
• Social Ministry – World Hunger, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Nachusa Home, etc.

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How do I get more information?

Call the Church Office at 815.758.0643 or e-mail the Church Office at First Lutheran Church DeKalb