Grace Episcopal Church Ponca City, Oklahoma Legacy Stewardship Program Securing Grace Church's Ministry for the Future Program Overview
INTRODUCTION: According to the Book of Common Prayer, page 445: The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provisions for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in good health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses. Grace Church has established this legacy program to ensure a steady and sustainable support for its ongoing ministry for now and for the future. There is no doubt that Grace Church has, over the years, had a positive impact on the community through its diverse ministries. The goal is to keep those ministries alive in the years ahead. However, with changing times and circumstances, we can only ensure that possibility through advance timely planning. Everlasting Grace allows individuals and families to make gifts, monetary and material, as well as include the church in their wills and estate planning. This is a proactive way to ensure that Grace Church will continue to bear witness to the Gospel within Ponca City across future generations. This program therefore appeals to all of our parish families, who hold Grace Church near and dear to their hearts, to participate in whatever way possible. HOW TO PARTICIPATE in C;,veltfuMing o GRACE Anyone can participate through an act of generous giving. Since the program anticipates immediate as well as long term results, it provides opportunities for a variety of ways to make a gift to the church. Please review the options presented to determine what fits your family's circumstances.
CHOICES FOR PARTICIPATION: The list below indicates several categories of giving from which you may choose to become a part of Everlasting Grace: 1. Cash Gifts: Cash has an immediate as well as future liquidity effect on the operation of the church. A cash gift is often from an inheritance, a settlement, etc. If this is your choice, please know that any amount is appreciated. 2. Your will: Grace Church can be named in your will in a variety of ways. Your family attorney can advise you about the best way to accomplish this. 3. Beneficiary: you may make Grace Church a full or partial beneficiary of an investment account or IRA, a life insurance policy, mineral rights, or other type of account. Your investment advisor can give you assistance in this. 4. Property: like an insurance policy, this allows you to name Grace Church as owner or inheritor of property or such things as vehicles, houses, etc., either immediately or at a future date. 5. Annual dividends or Minimum Required Distribution: These funds can be assigned directly to the church and have the potential to reduce your taxable income. Your CPA or tax advisor can work with you in this area. 6. Mineral rights: This allows you to name Grace Church as owner of any natural resources you own. Again, your attorney or estate planner can help.
ADMINISTRATION OF EVERLASTING GRACE Grace Church currently has a fund called the Jim McNeese Endowment Fund. Mr. McNeese funded it during his lifetime in order that the earnings might supplement the church budget after his death. The Grace Church Corporation Board is in place to handle the investment and distribution from this fund. The Corporation Board will also administer a new fund called the Everlasting Grace Endowment Fund. This fund will be a "quasi-endowment", meaning that under normal circumstances only the earnings will be distributed. There are certain unusual events, such as beginning a new ministry or if the viability of the parish is in jeopardy, that can trigger a distribution from the principal. You may contribute to either of these funds. If your desire is to direct your donation to a specific purpose, the Gift Acceptance Committee will review your request. REMEMBRANCE: Your participation will always be honored and remembered. We have selected some ways to ensure tangible remembrance of your gift: When your gift is designated, you will receive a letter and certificate to acknowledge your participation in Everlasting Grace. A permanent remembrance plaque will be hung in a prominent place in the church and all contributors will be listed. Each year on Grace Day, which is Pentecost Sunday and the anniversary of the founding of Grace Church, all members of Everlasting Grace will be recognized and celebrated. WHEN DO I PARTICIPATE? NOW IS THE TIME! Once you indicate your interest by completing the attached form and sending it to the Parish Office, or by calling the Parish Office at 580-765-7609, the church will contact you to provide the necessary guidance.
I am interested in leaving a living legacy to participate in the future of Grace Church. I would like to discuss the best way to contribute. Name Add res5 Phone Return this form to: GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH Attn: Everlasting Grace 109 N. 13th Street Ponca City, OK 74601 580.765.7609