Online Giving!
It is now possible to give to St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church online!  You can give a one-time gift or create a secure profile and give automatically each week. 

To learn more,click here to give now.

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Thrivent Choice Dollars

If you’re an eligible Thrivent Financial member and have Choice Dollars® available to direct, please keep us in mind. For more info or to direct Choice Dollars, call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice.” Or click here to go to our Thrivent page 

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Endowment Opportunities

T he St. Stephen Martyr Foundation and Designated Gift Opportunities
Endowment Opportunities To Help Share GOD'S LOVE.


What Is The St. Stephen Foundation?
The St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church Foundation is a nonprofit organization. People who are "Friends of The Foundation" give memorials, gifts and bequests that are placed in a special endowment fund. The principal amount is invested to generate earnings which are then available through grants to further church ministries and discipleship activities.

Imagine!
Seniors being escorted and driven to Sunday worship. Or a Christian Preschool that starts young people on their journey of faith. Helping Hands members with first level care (e.g. meals, transportation, etc.). Teen ministry holds special events and shepherds service projects for young people. What could all these ministries have in common? They could all receive grants from The Foundation. "Friends" donate money to The Foundation, and the earnings from those funds are then returned to ministry here at St. Stephen and beyond. These "Friends" are continuing stewardship beyond their lifetimes.

What's The Purpose of The St. Stephen Foundation?
The purpose of the St. Stephen Martyr Foundation Fund is to support current and future St. Stephen ministry and outreach activities above and beyond what can be accomplished through regular giving. There are wonderful opportunities to let Christ's love live including:
 

• memorialize a loved one

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• commemorate an important event

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• provide funding for a particular ministry or program

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• extend stewardship beyond annual giving

 

• provide long term financial stability for the church

The Foundation provides opportunities to continue stewardship beyond a lifetime, to make a difference in the lives of future generations.


How Can I Give to the Foundation?
CASH:
One-time or periodic cash gifts of any size are a way to share in the growth and development of St. Stephen ministries. These may be given through offerings.

MEMORIALS:
Memorial gifts are contributions of money or property made in memory of family or friends.

LIVING FUNDS:
These donations are made on behalf of an individual or in the name of a family to commemorate an event or milestone -birth, baptism, graduation or other occasion.

WILLS AND BEQUESTS:
This is a most meaningful way to express appreciation for the role St. Stephen has played in one's spiritual life and growth. (It would be helpful to The Foundation's planning to know of any provisions you have made for The Foundation in your will.)

TRUST FUND (short term):
Property may be placed in trust, and its income paid to The Foundation for a period of time. At the termination of the trust, the property may be returned to the donor.

CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUST:
Property is given in trust to The Foundation; the individual retains the income from that property. At the death of the donor, the property may be transferred to The Foundation.

STOCKS, BONDS, MUTUAL FUNDS:
Securities may be transferred to The Foundation outright or as part of a trust.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES:
A life insurance policy with tax deductible premium payments may name The Foundation as irrevocable beneficiary, providing a way to make a contribution during one's lifetime. Should the policy be canceled, its cash value becomes immediately available to The Foundation as a gift.

REAL PROPERTY:
Property may be transferred to The Foundation outright or through a life estate contract, wherein title to the property is transferred to The Foundation.
Financial security may be continued by retaining the rental income or the right to live in or on the property.

DEFERRED GIFT ANNUITY:
Real estate and securities may be transferred to The Foundation with an annuity paid to the donor for his or her lifetime.

RETIREMENT PLANS:
Designating The Foundation as a whole, partial or secondary beneficiary of your retirement plan has significant tax advantages.

OTHER:
Your investment advisor, CPA, attorney or The Foundation Representative (Jerry Orn 330.497.4259) can provide further suggestions for turning charitable estate plans into contributions to The Foundation and tax savings for you.


What About Designated Gifts?
Designated gifts are monetary contributions set aside for a specific item, use or project. Your gift will be placed in a special account for the particular purpose. Specifically, designated gifts may range from items from the St. Stephen "Wish List," youth mission trips, major capitol improvements, or any other need as discussed with Pastor Roth or Congregation Council. Gifts of $100,000 or more may be recognized with a special name plate or other memorial.