The St. Philip’s UMC Endowment generates income each year that can be used to maintain our facilities.


For many of us, it is not feasible to make significant gifts to the Endowment during our lifetime. However, it may be possible to make a planned gift that is a testament to your faith.


Planned Giving Options


Bequest – the easiest way to make a planned gift is through a bequest in your will. Designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific asset.


Retirement Accounts – traditional retirement accounts are usually heavily taxed as part of an estate. Reduce estate taxes by donating the account, maximizing benefits to your heirs.


Life Insurance – make SPUMC the beneficiary of an existing policy no longer needed for your family, or purchase a new policy which names SPUMC as the owner and beneficiary.


Real Estate – reduce capital gains and estate taxes by deeding your home to SPUMC and retain the right to live there for you or your family.


Life Income Gifts – charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, or pooled income funds provide you/your beneficiaries with income for life, while reducing certain taxes.


We recommend that you discuss planned giving options with your financial advisor or attorney to determine which would be most advantageous to you.

If you would like more information or speak with someone about establishing a planned gift to the St. Philip’s UMC endowment, contact Pastor Katie Eichler at pastor@spumchou.org

Frequently asked questions about christian giving

Why did Jesus link the spiritual life so closely to financial matters?

Jesus regularly spoke of the relationship between finances and our commitment to God, and this relationship remains key to our spiritual lives today as financial motivations and decisions are ever present in our lives. He knew that the love of money has the potential to take the place of one’s love for God, that it is all too easy to become people who clutch instead of share and worry instead of trust.


Why should a Christian be financially generous?

Our Christian generosity is rooted in an understanding that all we are and have belongs to our Almighty God. (Psalm 24:1) Out of His great love and desire to be in relationship with us, God created us; through Christ’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, He redeemed us; and through the presence of the Holy Spirit, He nourishes and sustains us. God sets us amidst abundance and entrusts us to manage our many resources in ways which will bring Him joy.


How much should I give?

The traditional tithe, 10% of one’s gross earnings, is the biblical standard for giving as attested to by God in the Old Testament. The teaching of the New Testament encourages giving in proportion to the material blessings one has received and calls us to give, not out of obligation, but in a joyful gratitude for all God has given us. (Consider: Matthew 6:19-21 & 33; Matthew 23:23; Luke 6:38; Luke 21:1-4; Malachi 1:6-14; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9; Proverbs 3:9-10.)


How is my pledge used?

Our Christian Heritage affirms that a Christian’s primary giving is to be directed towards the local church and its missions. In the Bible, offerings were regularly collected to maintain the ongoing work for God in the world. Today this means giving to the Church which Christ established. Our pledges are the primary source of funds for every ministry and activity of the church.


Are members expected to make a financial commitment?

Yes, in fact, congregational members are challenged to grow toward the biblical standard of tithing (10%) by one percent of income each year. For example: if you are currently giving 2% of your income to the church, you would increase your giving to 3%. This philosophy seeks to encourage disciples to take their next step of faith and to live life as Christ prescribed. It is also a realistic strategy by which many have faithfully strengthened their financial stewardship. If you have never made a financial commitment, begin with a reasonable objective and plan to increase your giving annually.


Each fall, pledge cards are used by members to communicate their commitment for the coming calendar year. This estimated amount may be increased or decreased at any time during the year as circumstances warrant. This process provides a clear goal for the membership and is a helpful planning tool for the church leadership.

To make your pledge, please click here.