RICH TOWARD GOD |
Giving Statements
In an effort to help make the church office more efficient and productive,
we are reducing the number of times we mail giving statements from each quarter
to twice a year.
The first biannual statement will be mailed in September,
dated January through August, and the second will be mailed in January,
dated January 1 through December 31. If needed, exceptions to this schedule may
be requested through the church office at (410) 838-8081.
Automatic Option for Offerings
Did you know LCGS has the ability to receive offerings via automatic, electronic giving? You
can elect to set up automatic deductions from your bank account, and you will
be able to track your offerings on your bank statements every month. It is a simple
process, and it only takes a few minutes to get started. You can change your giving
amount at any time. For more information about e-giving, please contact the church
office.
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DARE TO LIVE FEARLESSLY...
The following short parable tells a fundamental truth about Stewardship:
In the Holy Land there are two significant bodies of water. Both are fed by the Jordan
River. In one, fish live, play, and breed. In the other there are no fish, no
sounds of birds, no grass that grows. The difference is not in the Jordan, but
in the Sea of Galilee: every drop taken in goes out. It gives and therefore lives.
The other sea receives but gives nothing. It is the Dead Sea.
So it is with people. Those who extend themselves and freely give to others are, by and
large, healthier and happier than those who do not. We are called to be rivers
not reservoirs. The same is true of congregations. Healthier ones look beyond
their membership to see what they can give to the world. Dying ones are content
to care for their buildings and current members. They are more museums than centers
for mission.
Are you a river or a reservoir? Are you marking time until
death, or actively engaged in the world for the sake of others? It's safe to say
Jesus was a river, and Judas was a reservoir. Christians obviously are called
to be like Jesus not Judas.
written by: The Rev. Dr. John R. Sabatelli*
from the Christ Church E-letter
August 16, 2010
As we get into that time of year when we are asked to think and pray about our giving
for the coming year, it would be a good exercise to look at our patterns of giving
and decide if we look more like rivers or reservoirs. Does our giving reflect
our joy and thankfulness for God's gracious goodness?
– Vicki Beilfuss
*Reprinted with permission from John R. Sabatelli.
WAYS TO GIVE TO GOOD SHEPHERD
Planned Gifts: Bequests (Wills and Trusts)
A bequest provision in your will or trust will allow you to make a significant gift to ministry without reducing your
current income. You can specify a specific dollar amount or a percent of the estate's
residual value to: Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1515 Emmorton Road, Bel
Air MD 21014. You may designate what fund it is to go to if you wish.
Life Insurance
By changing the beneficiary of your policy, you can
make a gift to ministry. Or, transfer the ownership of the cash value life insurance
policy.
Qualified Retirement Plans (IRA, Keogh, 401K, 403B)
Your qualified retirement plan can provide a significant gift to ministry. The
IRA Rollover for charitable gifts has been extended for 2008 and 2009.
The examples and information here are for illustrative and educational purposes
only and should not be considered legal advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor about proceeding with your estate plans.
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