Trinity Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, North Carolina

How do we respond to Gods Generosity
September 16, 2009

We have taken time to recognize Gods generosity in our lives and Gods generosity to the church. Now we need to ask ourselves, “How do I or how will I respond to Gods generosity?”

Will you take the time each day to acknowledge and thank God or do you get so caught up in the business of daily life that you miss the opportunities he presents to you?

Do you become an example of his generosity by reaching out to those who are struggling or in need, or is your time so consumed that you pass by and remind your self to pray for them?

Do you display love, kindness, caring and patience to those who show your anger, bitterness, and hold different opinions then your own?

When you are asked to participate or volunteer do you say no I have already done that or no I am finished with helping?

As session members do we take the time to stop and see, hear and feel God’s presence guiding to his will, or do we with our stubbornness and pride, push forward with our own agendas and beliefs on how things should go?

Do we truly give the best of our time, talents and tithes, or do we hold them in reserve because it takes too much from our daily routines or lifestyles?

Can you imagine what would become of us if God said I have done that, or I am finished helping and providing?

Our Lord is an all-giving, unfailing, ever present father, who loves us, his children, completely without reservation. We have the opportunity everyday to respond to his unconditional and total love, forgiveness and grace.

So, how will you respond to God’s Generosity?

Consider this: Paying Your Church Pledge from your IRA or 401K

Buried in the voluminous Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is the extension through December 31, 2009, of the ability to make a tax-free contribution directly from your IRA or 401K account to a qualified charity, i e. Trinity Presbyterian Church (or other qualified charities). This provision was available for 2007, and has now been extended to 2008 and 2009.

This provision may be a practical and valuable tool for you. There are very specific procedures that must be followed to use this tool. This may also be a good alternative for members who generally make pledge contributions by sale of stock, particularly with the currently depressed prices in the stock market.

This should not be construed in any way as tax advice - - you should seek that advice from your tax professional. However, if you would like further discussion about this, please to not hesitate to contact me. Dick Bobb (697-2521).

Trinity Memorial Fund

Undesignated contributions to Trinity’s Memorial Fund have accumulated to $39,000 during recent years. Trinity Session has charged the Endowment Committee to:

Incorporate all Memorial funds into the newly established Trinity Memorial Legacy Fund, unless a specific purpose is provided by donors or the family of the deceased. The Church Treasurer, upon receiving direction for a specific purpose, shall insure that this money is distributed as desired.

Invest all Memorial Legacy Funds in the Presbyterian Foundation Balanced growth account in order to grow their value while awaiting distribution.

Annually, provide the Session with recommended distributions from the Trinity Memorial Legacy Fund. In general, it is anticipated that the Memorial Legacy Fund would support projects that are consistent with memorials, too small to be highlighted in a Capital Drive, and too large to be supported by the budget.

The Finance Ministry will insure that the appropriate correspondence is prepared on a timely basis to acknowledge donors to Memorial Funds, both to thank them for their gift & to insure them that the funds have been received.

If you are a donor [or a family member of a deceased] of a recent Memorial Fund, and desire that your contribution be distributed to a specific purpose, rather than be incorporated into the Trinity Memorial Legacy Fund, please inform a member of the Endowment Committee within 30 days of receiving this Tidings. All remaining funds shall be incorporated into the Trinity Memorial Legacy Fund after that date. [It is our belief that prior memorial gifts that were directed toward a specific purpose have been distributed as directed.]

Planning For the Future of our Church

Trinity’s Endowment Committee continues to develop programs that will meet the financial needs of Trinity Presbyterian Church’s long term needs for the future. We can offer various ways to do this through our Presbyterian Foundation which provides arrangements for both designated and undesignated gifts.

At a certain stage in life, we often begin to think about end of life plans and how to do good with the assets we leave behind. We are perhaps amongst the last generation who can secure our church for the future. Naturally there are considerations for family, taxes and other worthwhile causes. The Endowment Committee believes that one of these giving arrangements will make it easy for each of us to consider how we can be part of the legacy of this place we call our Church home.

Generally, planned giving involves financial or estate planning. Planned gifts can also be outright gifts of appreciated property like securities or real estate, or they can be deferred gifts. However, planned giving is not reserved for the wealthy. You may want to consider making a bequest as you prepare your will or write an addendum to your existing will that will provide a specific amount or a percentage of your estate to Trinity Presbyterian Church. Studies have shown that some 50% or more of church members die without a will. The Endowment Committee will be happy to assist you in preparing wills and trusts that include gifts to Trinity Presbyterian Church.

There are also those who would like to make a gift, but need income from the assets during their lifetime. A life income gift, such as a gift annuity, pooled income fund or a charitable remainder trust will insure that you receive income during your lifetime, or joint lifetime of you and your spouse, receive favorable tax treatment and ultimately provide a gift to Trinity Presbyterian Church.

We will work with individuals and families to assist them in making a decision about a lifetime or end of life gift to Trinity Presbyterian Church. For more information, please contact Don Shimon, Chair of Trinity’s Endowment Committee, at 696-2360 dfshimon@mchsi.com. If you prefer to contact Dale Le Count – the Western North Carolina representative for the Presbyterian Foundation, you may reach him at 888-711-1318 or RDL@FDN.PCUSA.ORG