A Legacy for Generations to Come
The Endowment Fund
In a world of fleeting moments, giving to the Endowment Fund is a testament to our dedication to leaving a legacy that reverberates through time. It is not simply about making a contribution. It is about helping shape the story and future of our church for generations to come.
Investing in Our Church’s Future
A Gift That Lives Beyond Us
Supporting the Endowment Fund empowers us to preserve the sacred spaces that sustain our worship, develop ministries that enrich our community, and extend Christ’s love through outreach. Every gift helps shape the destiny of our beloved church and strengthens its ability to serve well into the future.
History & Purpose
Rooted in Faith and Stewardship
Our Endowment Fund was established during the ministry of Pastor Blaine Taylor, the father of our current pastor, and has benefited our church many times over in the years since.
The Endowment Fund serves as a perpetual avenue for donors to contribute to the legacy of the United Methodist Church of Osterville. It allows donors to establish named opportunities and programs, explore a variety of planned-giving options, and support the church beyond annual and capital gifts.
A contribution to the Endowment Fund leaves a lasting mark on our church community and empowers us to carry out our mission for generations to come.
Use of Funds
Preserving and Improving Our Church Home
Over the years, the Endowment Fund has played a pivotal role in maintaining and improving our sacred space for worship, fellowship, music, ministry, and community service.
Building Maintenance and Improvement
The Endowment Fund helped renovate our sanctuary and has supported numerous improvements throughout the church campus. We worship in an air-conditioned sanctuary thanks to the Fund. Endowment resources have also supported the addition of our solarium, elevator, balcony, expanded sanctuary space, choir room, and other important improvements.
The Fund has also helped enhance our audio-visual capabilities, including the livestreaming of worship services so that those who cannot attend in person may remain connected to our church community.
While ensuring the upkeep of our sacred space remains essential, our vision for the Endowment Fund extends much further. We aspire to cultivate a versatile and robust fund that enriches our community, strengthens our ministries, and creates lasting impact through specialized programs.
Programs for Children
We aim to establish dedicated resources that nurture the growth and development of our youngest members. These funds can support innovative and educational programs designed around the needs and interests of children, including Sunday School enhancements and youth leadership initiatives.
Music Programs
Music has always played an integral role in our worship and community life. Endowment support can help expand our choir, offer music scholarships, and provide concerts and events that enrich both our congregation and the wider community.
Outreach Endeavors
We envision using the Endowment Fund to strengthen our outreach, provide vital resources, support social justice initiatives, and respond to emergencies. These funds can empower our church to remain a beacon of hope and support locally and beyond.
By diversifying the use of our Endowment Fund, we can create a legacy that includes not only the preservation of our physical space, but also the enrichment of our spiritual and communal lives. Together, we can build a future in which the Fund becomes a powerful catalyst for education, music, compassion, service, and positive change.
Types of Gifts
Many Ways to Leave a Lasting Legacy
We welcome a variety of gifts to the Endowment Fund. Your financial advisor or attorney can help you determine which option is most appropriate for your circumstances and charitable goals.
Bequests
A gift designated to the church’s Endowment Fund through your will or living trust.
Cash Donations or Checks
Direct financial contributions that can be invested to support the long-term growth of the Fund.
Charitable Gift Annuities
An agreement through the United Methodist Foundation of New England that may provide income to designated beneficiaries based on their age or ages.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
A charitable trust may provide income to you or your loved ones, with the remaining assets ultimately directed to the Endowment Fund.
A Gift of Your Home
A home may be contributed immediately or left to the church as a future bequest. Certain arrangements may allow you to retain use and responsibility for the residence during your lifetime.
Life Insurance Policies
You may name the United Methodist Church of Osterville or its Endowment Fund as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
Real Estate and Property
Gifts may include real estate or other eligible personal or real property, subject to church review and acceptance policies.
Stocks, Bonds, and Other Assets
Appreciated stocks, bonds, and other assets may provide another way to support the Fund while advancing your charitable intentions.
Investment of the Fund
Managed for Long-Term Growth and Stability
Our Endowment Fund is managed prudently to support long-term growth and stability. We work with experienced financial professionals who invest the assets responsibly, seeking to generate appropriate returns while managing risk.
Endowment Fund Categories
How Endowment Gifts May Be Structured
Permanently Restricted
Designed to preserve the original gift in perpetuity, with only the income or distributions generated by the gift used for approved purposes.
Temporarily Restricted
Similar to a permanently restricted endowment, but with time-limited or otherwise defined restrictions that may allow the principal to be used at a later date.
Unrestricted
Offers greater flexibility by allowing funds to be used for general purposes as determined by the church’s authorized leadership.
Governance and Administration
Board Authority
- The Board may establish additional Fund categories as needed.
- Permanently or temporarily restricted gifts that establish named funds require Board approval.
- Approval includes the gift, proposed fund name, designated purpose, and accompanying restrictions.
Contributions
- Contributions of money or eligible personal or real property are welcome from individuals and other donors.
- All gifts must comply with the church’s Endowment Fund resolution and related gift-acceptance policies.
Fund Management
- Property contributed to the Fund becomes the property of the United Methodist Church of Osterville.
- Assets are held, managed, invested, and expended according to the Endowment Fund resolution and related policies.
Legal Status
- The Endowment Fund is not a separate legal entity.
- It is an integral part of the property and ministry of the United Methodist Church of Osterville.
- It operates under the authority of the Board and in accordance with the Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church.
How to Designate Your Gift
Planning Your Legacy
Leaving a legacy gift is a powerful way to help ensure that the work and mission of our church continue to thrive. These steps can help you begin the process.
Consult Professionals
Speak with your financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney to determine the best way to include the church in your estate plans.
Contact the Church
Reach out to our church office or Endowment representatives to discuss your intentions and ask questions.
Prepare Documentation
Work with your attorney to include appropriate language in your will, trust, beneficiary designation, or other legal document.
Notify Us
Let us know about your plans so we may thank you and help ensure that your wishes are understood and fulfilled.
Your generosity will be remembered and cherished by future generations of our congregation. Even a modest contribution can become part of a lasting legacy of worship, service, education, and compassion.
Church Leadership
Those Who Help Guide This Ministry
Endowment Committee
- Chair: David Eaton
- Lois Taylor
- Carole Eichner
- Trace Schrafft
- Carl Riedell
- Dick Weir
- Bill Cutcliffe
- Heather Wolfe, Ad Hoc
Board of Trustees
- Chair: Jeanine Farrell
- Vice Chair: Trace Schrafft
- David Eaton
- Ted Eaton
- Sharlene Moran
- Fred Hembree
- Linda Fermino
- Heather Wolfe
- Marty DeMartino
Learn More
Discuss Your Legacy Gift
For more information about the Endowment Fund or to begin a conversation about a planned or legacy gift, please contact one of the representatives below.
Gary Melville
Director of Development
United Methodist Foundation of New England
Phone: 501-641-5568
Email: gmelville@umfne.org
Dick Weir
Endowment Fund Contact
Phone: 774-487-1450
Email: grichweir@gmail.com
Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Donors should consult their own qualified professional advisors regarding their individual circumstances.