Passing Our Faith to Future Generations
The Cloister Society recognizes and celebrates parishioners who have made planned gifts to St. Christopher’s, unless they choose to remain anonymous. If you have planned a gift to the church but have not advised us, please contact any Planned Giving Committee member to join the Cloister Society (the list of members is not published).
Cloister Society Member Testimonial
Prologue
Estate Planning…sounds like Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, very wealthy folks.
Estate planning is a scary phrase, but all of us have an estate. It’s what we own when we die. One way or another your estate accumulates, and you have to give it back when you die. If no estate planning is done by an individual or a family, the federal and state governments get an early look at your estate for taxation…we call that “unplanned giving.”
Chapter One
My parents had a farm…
The Importance and Benefits of Planned Giving and Bequests for St. Christopher’s
Over the years, many generous members of St. Christopher’s have made planned gifts (such as part of an IRA Required Minimum Distribution) and/or bequests to our church. Such gifts are extremely important and provide St. Christopher’s with numerous benefits that contribute to our long-term financial stability and growth. Here are some key advantages:
1. Endowment Growth: Planned gifts are usually directed towards the church’s endowment fund, helping to grow the fund over time. A larger endowment provides a reliable source of income for the church’s ongoing needs and future operations. In just the most recent four years generous parishioners have made both small and large bequests and lifetime gifts that have had the following major positive impact on the church:
(1) Includes unrestricted, temporarily restricted and restricted investments as well as the annual net return on investments.
2. Increased Support: Bequests and planned gifts often come from our dedicated members of the congregation who have a strong commitment to the church’s mission. These gifts can significantly increase the level of support for the church, enabling it to expand its outreach and services.
3. Legacy Building: Planned gifts allow donors to leave a lasting legacy that reflects their values and commitment to the church. This can inspire other members of the congregation to consider making similar contributions, fostering a culture of generosity and long-term support.
4. Tax Benefits: Donors who make planned gifts and bequests may receive significant tax benefits, such as deductions on their estate taxes. These tax advantages can encourage more individuals to consider planned giving as a way to support the church while also benefiting their own financial situation.
5. Funding for Special Projects: St. Christopher’s can use planned gifts to fund specific projects or initiatives, such as building renovations, new programs, or community outreach efforts. This targeted funding can help the church achieve its goals and make a greater impact in the community.
6. Strengthened Relationships: Engaging with donors about planned giving can strengthen the relationship between the church and its members. This deeper connection can lead to increased involvement, volunteerism, and overall support for the church’s mission.
By embracing and leveraging planned gifts and bequests, St. Christopher’s can secure its financial future, continue to serve the community effectively for generations to come and “Pass our Faith on to Future Generations.”
The Planned Giving Committee
The function of the Planned Giving Committee is to support and encourage membership in the Cloister Society, which was established in 2011 to recognize and thank those who have made a planned gift to the church. The mission statement of the Planned Giving Committee is as follows:
We will be long-term stewards of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church by facilitating the growth of its endowment in order to support the church’s mission and its capital needs. We will do this by creating awareness of the importance of planned giving to St. Christopher’s, the importance of estate planning for our parishioners, and the various options for providing bequests or gifts to the church. We will also recognize and celebrate those who have made such gifts to St. Christopher’s unless they prefer to remain anonymous.
Members of the Planned Giving Committee (2025)
Rob Boas, Chair: rboas@bellsouth.net, 404-668-3885
Jim Bast, jimbast@outlook.com, 508-237-5588
Errol James, ejames@soundviewpartners.net, 508-942-6159
Jill Macdonald, amacd2788@aol.com, 772-359-3515
David Smith, dm99smith@hotmail.com, 508-737-2858
Resources
To download a recent Morgan Stanley charitable giving review, click here.
To download a recent Bank of America/Merrill Lynch newsletter on a structured approach to charitable giving, click here.
To download a brochure on this important topic, click here: Building and Protecting Your Legacy: A Primer About Gift Planning (2023).
Note:
The resources above are for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement of any particular financial institution.