Special Gifts Fund

Increasingly, congregations are creating Endowment Funds and developing Planned Giving Programs as part of their comprehensive approach to Christian Stewardship. All such efforts need to be approached on a sound biblical and theological basis that are in keeping with the nature and mission of the church and are viewed as s pastoral ministry.

Christian stewardship involves the faithful management of all the gifts God has given to human kind-time, talents, the created world, and money. For many people, the Stewardship of money means current income and its use. Stewardship is concerned equally, however, with accumulated, inherited and appreciated resources.

It was in recognition of the above that at the 1993 Annual General Meeting of the Parish that the “Church of Saint Andrew Special Gifts Fund” was established. The Parish considered it a blessing to create the opportunity for new service and ministries both at home and abroad.

Special Gifts are defined as funds, directed or given by bequest to the Parish in the following suggested ways:

 Unrestricted – the use to be determined by the Special Gifts Fund Committee.
 Designated – specified by the donor for a particular purpose and restricted to that use.
 Contingent – specified for a particular purpose, but with the privilege of changing the use of the gift under certain conditions, such as termination of the need to which it was initially designated.
 Memorials – either unrestricted or designated, and dedicated to the memory of a deceased family member, church member, or friend.
 Endowments – bequests where the principal amount must be retained and only the income can be disbursed.

In addition to the above listed Special Gifts, gifts may be made in the form of Trusts and Annuities as well as through Life Insurance. Because of the legal and tax implications, the committee does not manage these forms of gifts in a direct manner. Our Parish has a Lay Representative who can provide further information if you should desire to pursue this option.

For further information and for the Special Gift Fund Guidelines/Eligibility and Application Forms please contact the Church Office at 462-1818, or speak to a member of the Church of Saint Andrew Special Gifts Fund committee.