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November 7, 2007 IN THIS ISSUE:
CONTACT TMF:
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Offering Investments, Loans, Stewardship Services, Planned Giving, Grants & Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence |
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Looking for an Investment Offering Financial Rewards with Eternal Value? Earn exceptional interest and invest in a vital future for United Methodist churches by strengthening their ability to transform lives. Invest in the Individual Fund! Look for our fall insert in United Methodist publications distributed across the state in mid-November or download here. To learn more about the Texas Methodist Foundation's investment options for churches and individuals, contact Sara Beltran at sbeltran@tmf-fdn.org or visit our website. CURRENT INVESTMENT INTEREST RATES:
Past Performance is not an indication of future results.
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Ask for a Gift to the Christ Child During Advent - Can you imagine a pastor boldly announcing a church’s annual financial campaign during Advent? The initial shock might cause a “what were you thinking?” moment. With decorating and Christmas parties to attend, not to mention rushing about to find those perfect gifts, how could that possibly work? As we go about the business of the Christmas season, our best moments of preparation for gift-giving require careful consideration of the person, their interests and needs. Gifts to family and friends are an expression of our love and gratitude for them. But are we not also blessed throughout the year by our local congregations, and especially by God’s grace freely given through Jesus Christ? When we make our gift lists, shouldn’t the Christ child top the list? As the year draws to a close we take stock of our business affairs, consider the consequences of our financial decisions and try to act accordingly. It actually makes sense to ask your congregation to consider making an additional charitable gift for the use and benefit of the local church at this time. Take the opportunity to remind your members that a gift to your church can be a beautiful expression of thanksgiving and worship during Advent. After all, each and every holiday season we are privileged to celebrate Christ, a gift that truly keeps on giving.
For more information on the Foundation’s stewardship services and how we can help you Grow Faithful Givers, contact James Varner at jvarner@tmf-fdn.org or 800/933-5502 or visit our website. |
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Time is Running Out for Pension Protection Act Gifts - According to “Give & Take” newsletter, a publication for development executives of nonprofit organizations, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Pension Protection Act legislation will be extended prior to the scheduled Dec. 31 expiration. With all the impending hustle and bustle of the holiday season upon us, a reminder about the temporary opportunity to make tax-free gifts from IRAs could prove valuable to your senior members. In review, church members 70 ½ or older can make a charitable gift of up to $100,000 to your church from their IRA assets this year without counting it as income. Couples can double their philanthropic power and tax savings by gifting $100,000 per person. Be sure to remind your church members to make the most of this giving season by considering an IRA gift in time to take advantage of this option. Download our PPA brochure to share with senior members of your congregation, or have them contact the Foundation for more information.
For assistance with gift planning, church endowments or planned giving education, contact Darrell Loyless at dloyless@tmf-fdn.org or 800/933-5502 or visit our website. To locate the development officer for your annual conference click here. |
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