Endowment Fund

Purpose Statement

The Endowment Fund provides financial support for the mission and outreach of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church specifically for expenses not included in the church budget. An ongoing source of income is generated enabling us to continue our vision of stewardship while allowing us to fund important needs and exciting projects!

“They are to do good, be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.”
1 Timothy 6:18-19

Endowment Fund Information

What is the Purpose?

The purpose of the St. Mark’s Endowment Fund is to provide financial support for the mission and outreach of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, specifically for ministry expenses not included in the church budget.The Endowment Fund generates an ongoing source of income, enables the people of God at St. Mark’s to expand and continue their vision of stewardship, and allows the congregation to respond to important needs and exciting ventures.The St. Mark’s Benevolent Foundation was established by action of a Congregational Meeting on December 14, 2003. In 2018, it was restructured as the Endowment Fund. It is governed by a board of six trustees elected by the congregation.

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How Can I Give?

GIVING NOW

You may contribute cash or appreciated assets. You may own an asset such as real estate, securities, or other property that has increased in value since you acquired it; selling it may produce taxable gain. If you give it to the Endowment Fund, you may receive tax advantages.

WILLS

A bequest in your will allows you to make a gift to the Endowment Fund at your death and to determine the nature and extent of that gift. Your professional advisor can help you include the Endowment Fund in your will.

NAME THE ENDOWMENT FUND AS A BENEFICIARY

You may name the Endowment Fund as a beneficiary for life insurance policies, brokerage accounts, bank accounts, 401(k) accounts, IRAs, etc.

GIFT ANNUITIES

You may give funds to the Endowment Fund but retain all or part of the investment income for your lifetime or a survivor’s lifetime. After your death and the survivor’s death, the income and principal will go to the Endowment Fund.

TRUSTS

A trust may be established to be managed by a trustee of your choice. You and the other designated beneficiaries can receive the income from the trust assets for life. Thereafter, the principal can be given to the Endowment Fund.

See a professional advisor to assist you in your estate planning.

You may also contact the Endowment Board with questions.

Endowment Supported Projects

2019 - $15,581.95

Replenishing Church Emergency Maint. Fund; Pastor Matt’s Moving Expenses

2020 - $17,085.00

New Copier for Church Office; Equipment & Furnishing for Renovations

2021 - $19,244.18

National Youth Gathering; Sanctuary Improvements; Communion Chalices, Baptismal Bowl, Microphones

2022 - $21,700.00

100th Anniversary Celebrations & Expenses; 100th Anniversary Concerts; 100th Anniversary Guest Preachers

2023 - $22,597.00

Church Property Tree Removal & Replacement; New Website; Refurbishing Pews & Sanctuary Floors

2024 - $24,037.60

Wednesday Night Lenten Meals; Organ Bench; WNC Baptist Fellowship HVAC & Roof Repair; Balcony Chairs; Lutheridge Campaign; 2027 Vision Planning

Estate Gifts

Anonymous Estate

James Aydelotte *

Margaret Aydelotte*

Evelyn Brittingham

Alice Brown

Ken Clark *

Dan and Mary Dudde *

Ruth Goodson *

Giffith Trust *

Bill Hess

Annemarie Keller

Eleanor Kittle

Albert Seale

Jenny Simmons*

Dorothy Trexler

Henry and Barbara Ulrichs *

Eric and Susan Van Tassel *

Warren and Bonnie Wheeler *

* planned estate gift