First Baptist Church relies on the generous donation of time, talent and money to fulfill its mission of being a servant community of faith making disciples for Jesus Christ in the 21st Century.
"Every Gift Matters" -- our Stewardship theme - emphasizes gifts of every size and kind is what builds the Church. Stewardship is not a one-time commitment, it is a way of life that builds our faith and brings us closer to God.
Memorial GiftsThis committee acknowledges donors in writing when a memorial gift is made and notifies the family of the person in whose memory the gift is given. The name of the donor is then inscribed in the church’s “Memory Book” located in the Gathering Room by the sanctuary. Memorial gifts may be sent to the attention of the Financial Administrator in the church office.
Day Mission FundThis fund was established in 2007 to celebrate the retirement and service of Pastor Dan Day.The earnings from this fund will provide continuing support for mission projects by First Baptist Church.
Church Maintenance Endowment & Gift CardsThe Endowment Fund was created in 1997 and bears the official name of the Church Facility Maintenance and Replacement Fund. As that name stipulates, this fund exists in order to provide a permanent source of funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the church’s physical facility. The fund is an endowment fund; that is, the principal will not be used, but rather be invested. Fund earnings will be available to maintain and repair the physical facilities at First Baptist, including the building itself and its furniture, fixtures and equipment.
Gifts to the Endowment may be made in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. A special "Endowment Card" will be mailed to recipient for all gifts over $10.
Planned GivingIf it is important for us to nurture God’s work during our lifetime, why would we not assist in assuring the continuation of His mission in the future? We all desire to be good stewards of the gifts with which God has blessed us, but sometimes we are unsure of the best way to get started. Planned Giving is the answer. One of the most enjoyable aspects of estate planning is the opportunity it provides you to decide how and where your gifts will be used.
Providing permanent support for the future of your church is a profound statement of one’s faith. Have you ever through about tithing 10 percent of your estate to the church? Whether it’s a ministry within the life of our church, a gift to the endowment fund, or any other Christian ministry, estate planning with properly drawn documents allows you to make decisions that would not be possible otherwise.
What: In 1997 our church established an endowment fund for the primary purpose of maintaining and repairing our buildings. Gifts to this fund are invested and only the income, not principal, is used for this purpose. When a gift is made to the endowment fund, it is a permanent gift that will continue to produce income through the ages. The official name of the endowment fund is the Church Facility Maintenance and Replacement Fund, which is explained further in a brochure available in the church office: “Planting Trees for Others to Enjoy.”
Why: Our sanctuary building was constructed in 1859 and is recognized as one of the historical gems of our city and state. It continues to house our worship service and our downtown mission programs. Our educational programs and other mission endeavors are housed in the 30 year-old John Lewis Education Building. Older historical buildings require constant repair and maintenance.
Our church has had two capital campaigns in recent years, and we are faced with a major annual expenditure to maintain our facilities. We recognize the importance of consistent maintenance and further realize that significant funds for this purpose will be needed indefinitely. If our endowment fund gradually increases over the years, future generations of church members can concentrate their funds and efforts more directly toward the mission of the church while the endowment income can be used to maintain our beloved religious center and glorify God for generations to come.
How: We are pleased that our endowment fund has reached $1 million and understand that the majority of these funds have come through planned gifts from some of our most loyal members. We now encourage all of our members to consider directing a planned gift to our church through one of the following:
1. An outright gift: cash, stocks, bonds, real estate or life insurance.
2. A bequest in your Will: property, a specific sum of dollars given for a specific purpose or a percentage of your estate.
3. A living trust: used in conjunction with your Will to begin management of your assets while you’re still living.
4. A testamentary trust: provide for multiple beneficiaries (including your church) and can give the trustee discretion in administering your estate.
5. Life income gifts: provide income to you during your lifetime and a gift to the church after your death; can take the form of a Charitable Remainder Trust, Annuity Trust or a Gift Annuity.
