LEGACY GIVING

Supporting the Mission of St. Matthew

What is An Endowment?

An Endowment can take two forms. In its "pure" form, it is a sum of money that over an anticipated unending time frame can generates sufficient earnings for some intended purposes. To achieve this aim, only earnings are withdrawn. In its "quasi" form, that sum of money has some lesser time frame or term period so that principal withdrawals occur along with the generated earnings. In some shorter period the "endowed" sum is exhausted. The St Matthew Endowment Fund accepts both types.

Why is An Endowment Important to Our Mission?

  1. To grow disciples in Christian Stewardship and Biblical generosity for their joyous good and for the growth of the Kingdom as the love of Christ is lived out in word and deed. As Jesus said, "Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, but treasures in heaven ... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19);

  2. To give disciples of Jesus a powerful opportunity in death to be witnesses to their family - and others - of their faith in Jesus Christ by the generosity and faith shown in how they handle as stewards even in death the temporal gifts that God gave them. Paul said, "You will be my witness."(Act 1:8);

  3. All Christian organizations require monetary funding. Here at St. Matthew, accomplishing God's given mission requires annual funds to cover ongoing current operations and most often major gifts to meet significant capital projects and ongoing and future mission opportunities;

  4. As various people groups, including those groups who do not come from a Christian heritage, immigrant to our region, St. Matthew will have the opportunity to be an example to our community by being a beacon of hope, care, and love to these people;

  5. Most American families have more opportunities to give and abundance from which to give. As we share our gift plans with family, we have the opportunity to pass on to our children this value of planning to bless others as God blesses them.

When is An Ideal Time to Begin Our Endowment?

There are always hurdles, whether it's time to plan for a gift or worry about your own future, but NOW is always the best time to define and act on the passion that your faith inspires and what suitable choices ("now" or "later") reveal.