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Texas Methodist Foundation Epistle Online News

December 7, 2007

IN THIS ISSUE:

CONTACT TMF:
Offering Investments, Loans, Stewardship Services,
Planned Giving, Grants & Institute for Clergy and Congregational Excellence

Want an investment you can feel really good about? – Embrace Christian stewardship from a different perspective by investing in the Individual Fund. You’ll receive higher than average rates of return while knowing your funds are being loaned to growing United Methodist congregations throughout Texas for building projects and other capital needs.

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:

Variable Rates for December 2007*

Fund

Current Rate
TMF Methodist Loan Fund
3.95%
TMF Short-Term Fund
3.20%
TMF Individual Fund/IRAs
3.80%
Fixed Rates through 12/07/2007**

Fund

1 year

2 year

 3 year

4 year

5 year
TMF Methodist Loan Fund
4.80%

4.80%

4.80%

4.90%

5.00%

TMF Individual Fund/IRAs
4.65%

4.65%

4.65%

4.75%

4.85%

Past Performance is not an indication of future results.
*Variable Rates are subject to change monthly. **Fixed rates are set on a weekly basis.

The Texas Methodist Foundation’s Methodist Money & Ministry fall newsletter is now online. In this edition we focus on women supporting ministry:

  • Theodora Matthews: Carrying on a Tradition of Women Helping Women
  • Methodist Mission Home: Partnering with “A Home Where the Heart Is”
  • Juanita Peterson: Holding Women’s Ministries Close at Heart
  • Busy Mom’s Investment Alternative: The Individual Fund
  • Do All the Good You Can, a Faith & Money feature by Linda Murdock

    • For more information on our Methodist Money & Ministry or to request a printed copy, contact Patti Simmons toll free at 800/933-5502.

    Focus on Giving for Ministry in 2008 - After the call for Christmas offerings and year-end giving to meet budget and apportionment needs, a new year begins and the emphasis on giving wanes in most churches. Starting anew with a focus on faithful Christian stewardship, rather than a mere need for money, is an effective way to continuously encourage giving. Try these ideas on Sundays in January and again throughout the year:

  • Say thank you. Find positive ways to celebrate your congregation’s ministries and thank people for giving, even if you did not meet your goals in 2007. Select one or two areas of ministry and report enthusiastically that the faithful giving of your members made a difference.

  • Talk about ministry in 2008. Identify two or three ministry opportunities and/or challenges the church will undertake in 2008. Before the offering and in your sermon, invite the congregation to come together in supporting these new adventures through faithful giving.

    • For more information on the Foundation’s stewardship services and how we can help you Grow Faithful Givers, contact Dick Young at dyoung@tmf-fdn.org or 800/933-5502 or visit our website.

    Acknowledge Special Gifts Publicly - Most people don’t make gifts to their church to be recognized for their generosity – what, how much and when to give is a very personal, spiritual decision. It’s nice to know, however, that all gifts are appreciated and will be put to good use. Since the Advent season offers many opportunities to thank God for a congregation’s blessings, consider publicly acknowledging recent gifts at this time. Not only will you affirm the decision to give and make your donors feel valued, you will also hold them up as examples of conscientious Christian stewardship for other members considering similar gifts.

    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.