Lakewood United Methodist Church
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
North Little Rock, Arkansas
 The new Lakewood United Methodist Endowment Fund will help to "Expand the Light" far into the future by sustaining life-changing ministries. Just as the tiny mustard seed can grow into a mighty and useful plant (Mark 4:31), each gift to the Endowment Fund will keep on growing and supporting our ministries. Giving is an Act of Faith  God calls us to be faithful stewards of our possessions. As Christians, we gratefully acknowledge that all we have comes from God. One option for acting on that faith is to include your church in your plans for giving – either in the present or in the future. This information will help you understand why Lakewood UMC needs your gift, and how you can give to Lakewood. How Will My Gift Be Used? Once you have decided that making a present gift or leaving a future gift to LUMC is an act of faith, to what can you give?  Lakewood has a myriad of vital ministries that could benefit from a gift to the endowment fund. You may either designate your gift for a particular purpose or leave it undesignated. Unrestricted gifts offer the advantage of allowing the church to allocate resources as the needs we must meet change over time. How and What Can I Give? There are many ways to give, and the best gift for you depends on your goals and personal circumstances. To ensure that your wishes are met and your plans are properly carried out, you will need a will or other estate planning document. Potential gifts that you could consider with your attorney or financial advisor include: * Outright Gifts. A present gift to your church is always welcome and appropriate Usually such gifts are in cash, but any type of property, stocks, bonds, or other assets could be given.  * Real Estate. Many types of real estate -- primary residence, farm, business or vacation home -- may be given to your church. In a gift with retained life estate, a personal residence can be given now, while you continue to live there. You might be able to get a current tax deduction. All prospective gifts of real estate are reviewed for marketability and are confidentially inspected for potential hazards. * Wills. One of the simplest ways to make a gift is through your will or trust. You can name Lakewood UMC as the direct beneficiary of specific assets, of a portion of your estate, or of your residual estate after payment of other bequests.  * Deferred Gifts. You may also make a deferred gift to your church. You may have heard of many of these:o charitable remainder trust o charitable gift annuity o charitable lead trust * Many meaningful gifts may be made without the need to modify your will or trust. For instance, you can name LUMC endowment fund as a beneficiary of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA), 401(k), 403(b) or other qualified plan. You may also name LUMC endowment fund as a beneficiary of your life insurance. The endowment can be named as
 beneficiary for part or all of the proceeds of these plans. Each gift, whatever the size, is important. Generally, with endowments, the principal is invested and only the income is used by the church. Your gift, when combined with the gifts of others, increases the principal and remains intact. Act Now Five recommended steps in planning your gift: 1. Pray. Prayerfully consider making a gift to Lakewood United Methodist Church's endowment fund. 2. Study. Review information about LUMC's endowment fund and ask questions of the endowment co  mmittee, church pastor and administrator, and your advisors. Decide on a gift that is best for the church, your circumstances and your estate. Remember that gifts can be made during your lifetime and not just at death. 3. Remember no gift is too small. Leaving a gift of any size to an established endowment lets your gift and the gifts of many others enjoy the benefits of growing together to leave a lasting gift of income to the church. 4. Prepare your written document. The information presented here is general in nature, and you should contact your own professional advisor to learn how this information relates to your individual circumstances. With your advisors, prepare a written document, such as a will or trust, with specific instructions about your wishes. 5. Designate your gift. Please designate your gift as follows: "Lakewood United Methodist Church for General Endowment Fund."
For confidential information on making a gift to Lakewood UMC's endowment fund, contact:
- Sandra Wood, Church Administrator, by email or through the church office at (501) 753-6186
- Dayle McCune, Endowment Committee Chair, by email or at (501) 753-4566
- Richard Lancaster, Senior Pastor, by email or through the church office at (501) 753-6186.
Send mail to:
Sandra Wood, Church Administrator
c/o Lakewood UMC
1922 Topf Road
North Little Rock, AR 72116
Giving is an Act of Faith … and Love. The Lakewood United Methodist Church Endowment Fund. |
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