- Does the Endowment Fund need my gift?
Yes, gifts of all types and sizes are needed and welcomed by the Endowment Fund to provide long-term financial support for emerging needs of the church. - Will my gift be spent?
All gifts to Saint John's permanent Endowment Fund are invested, never spent. The principal in the Endowment Fund remains invested to perpetuate the Fund. Assets are prudently managed by the Endowment Committee, earning income each year. As the principal grows, so does the income, a percentage of which is designated to support ongoing church ministries. - What are the methods of donating?
There are several ways to designate gifts to Saint John's Endowment Fund, providing a lasting tribute to God though supporting the ministries of our church.Methods include:
Bequests through a will of a fixed amount or percentage
Stocks and bonds
IRA or retirement account designation (all or part)
Gift annuities
Payable-on-death account (bank or brokerage account)
Trusts
Retirement plan
Personal property
Real estate
Life insurance (all or part of a policy)
Life-income contract
Memorial gifts made by you now to honor others, or memorial/tributes in your honor by relatives or friends
Contributions by you while living, so you may receive the tax benefits now
This list is for information only. Please consult your attorney, accountant, or financial advisor for donation methods best suited to your situation. - Would I have to rewrite my will?
Even if you already have a will, you may be able to amend it through a simple codicil. You will want to include a version of the following sentence in your estate plan or beneficiary documents:
I give [the amount or percent of estate and/or type of asset] to the Endowment Fund of Saint John's United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas to further the mission and ministries of the church.
For assistance and guidance in leaving a gift to the Endowment Fund in your estate plans, please contact the Interim Business Administrator, Jennifer Heath, at (512) 452-5737.
If you have already included the Saint John's UMC Endowment Fund in your giving plans, the Endowment Committee wishes to thank you. Since we may not be aware that you intend to leave assets to the church in your will, please let us know so we can express our gratitude for your generosity, thoughtfulness, and forward vision.
- How does the fund operate?
Management of the fund is entrusted to the Saint John's Endowment Committee, which is composed of nine members elected annually by the Charge Conference. It includes six members elected at-large for three-year overlapping terms, along with the chairs of the Church Council, Finance Committee, and Board of Trustees.
The Committee has specific duties spelled out in the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline and is operated under the direction and guidelines of the Saint John's Charge Conference. The Endowment Fund is invested with the Texas Methodist Foundation. As of Summer 2021, the fund balance is around $1.6 million. - What is the future vision for Saint John's United Methodist Church?
While only God knows the future of our church, undoubtedly the church's vision will be accomplished using the congregation's minds, hands, hearts, and financial resources. It is our hope and prayer that over the next 25, 50, and 100 years:
Saint John's will continue the far-reaching work of the church.
Saint John's will adapt to meet new needs and embrace new circumstances.
Saint John's will use its resources to accomplish remarkable things, things unknown and unimaginable to us today.
The Endowment Fund is a permanent source of funding for expanding the reach of God's kingdom through Saint John's and into the world. Praise God for all of these opportunities.