Giving
GUIDING TRUTH:
God is the owner of all we have. We are His managers and should honor Him with our finances. The main issue is coming under the lordship of Christ.
GOAL for members at Grace:
“To be working toward the tithe & beyond.”
PRINCIPLE OF FIRST-FRUITS:
The first portion of one’s earnings should be given back to God (Prov. 3:9-10).
- In response to God’s goodness
- To focus on God as our source of security. Believing that God does supply all that you need to live and supply extra to give away (II Cor. 8-9; Matt. 6; Phil. 4:14-19).
- To bless others
- To receive the blessings of the Lord which are tied to obedience in this area. If you sow generously, you will reap generously. If you sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly (II Cor. 9:6-7).
WHERE TO GIVE:
Preference should be given to a believer’s place of worship.
GOD-HONORING
givers exhibit these characteristics:
- Generosity
- Cheerfulness/Joy
- Sacrifice
- Faith
- Obedience
- Compassion
Electronic Transfer Giving
Estate Planning
Giving Envelope Requests
Offering envelopes are a helpful stewardship tool—serving as a tangible reminder to be a regular, systematic, generous and proportionate giver (I Cor. 16, II Cor. 9). To request envelopes, contact Jill Mintsiveris by email or call the church office at 790-4973 ext. 29.
Non-Cash Gifts:
Non-cash gifts (stock, mututal fund shares, bonds, life insurance, annuities) provide a way to make a significant gift to support the ministries of Grace without affecting your day-to-day budget. Tax benefits are possible as well. Grace has established a brokerage account to process these important gifts. Please contact with questions and/or to facilitate a non-cash contribution.
Future Gifts
Charitable gifts are often a significant part of effective retirement and estate planning and stewarding our resources to leave an eternal legacy.
How do I give to the church in my will or trust?
Making a gift to Grace through your will is a great thing to do. This is one important way to steward the resources God gives you on earth and to ensure that they will continue being used to advance the gospel after your death.
There are several ways to arrange for a gift, the most common is through a will. This assumes that you have a will or are preparing one. Without a will, you lose control over your belongings and finances after death, and your “estate” is settled according to state laws, whether or not they coincide with your wishes.
As you prepare your will, you must clearly state your intentions to make a gift (bequest) to Grace. Many people set aside a specific dollar amount. Others leave a percentage of their estate. Some give property like a car or home. Others leave a paid-up life insurance policy or another financial investment like stock or mutual funds. You can even name the church as a beneficiary of your retirement plan.
It is wise to seek the assistance of a professional such as a lawyer, financial planner, trust officer, etc. in planning a gift. He or she can also discuss the tax implications of your gift with you. The Stewardship Director is also available to help facilitate a planned gift to the church. However, it is your decision whether or not you inform the church of your plans.