Somers Congregational Church
Pledges
Each local church in the United Church of Christ is separately
incorporated, and is responsible for its own program and finances, and each
selects its own pastor. The by-laws of our congregation call upon all
members to attend worship regularly, to participate in the life of the
church, and to support the church financially. We do not receive funds from
the wider church, and other than a modest endowment fund, we are dependent
upon ourselves financially. Members and friends of the church are invited to
make a financial commitment each October for the coming year so that the
church does not have to rely on casual giving or "emergency" requests. We
believe and teach that this intentional planning to return to God part of
the gifts we have received is the primary act of support. There are also
times during the year when members may be asked to contribute to a special
offering, generally in support of the mission work of the larger church. All
pledges are made and kept in confidence, and are tax deductible.
Gifts and Bequests
Memorial gifts to the church come in many sizes, both small and large;
they can be designated for a special purpose for example: Christian
Education, Building Maintenance, Memorial Garden) or they can be given to
the Memorial Fund. If you would like to discuss the Memorial Fund or giving
a gift of lasting support to the church through an honorarium gift, please
contact our pastor, Dr. Barry Cass. Although the church depends on yearly
giving, a program of planned giving can provide the church with a solid
foundation by increasing the endowment. At the same time such giving can
provide the donors with stable income and important tax advantages. The
federal government allows an unlimited estate tax charitable deduction for
gifts to qualified charitable organizations such as our church. Making a
bequest to the church extends your stewardship into the future years.
Through your will you can designate an invested fund to produce income which
will help support the church in the future. There are many ways to continue
serving the church forever.In deferred giving plans the person(s) named
receive income first. After their lifetime, the church designated will then
receive the gift. There are several ways to establish a plan for deferred
giving. You may call the church office (763-4021) for further information.
Bequests are a wonderful way to make sure the church continues to grow and
spread God’s love for future generations. |
