We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
My giving to the Lord is a response to his love.
What the Lord would have us to do:
- Our Lord has given us
the gracious command to preach the gospel to every creature. - He has given us the gifts and abilities to carry out this work.
- He wants us to worship and honor him with our gifts.
How can I give?
Gifts of Cash
You can give a one-time gift of cash to the offering. You can set up a gift promise to be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Gifts of Securities
You can donate gifts of stocks, mutual funds, bonds, or even closely held stock. The beauty of this gifting method is that you can gift it directly (without cashing it in) and you have no income gain, but a full deduction of the value of your gift on the day it was given. You can also set up deferred gifts, funding them with securities in order to receive an income while you live and then provide a wonderful gift when you no longer need the income.
Gifts of Real Estate or Other Property
Gifts of real estate to the ELS may provide a great way to support gospel ministry. Gold, silver, collectables, or other property of value can also be given. It can be an outright gift or a deferred gift. Among the more common deferred instruments are charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, or life estates. Receive a deduction now and retain a life income if you would like. While such gifts are more complex, it is well worth the effort to support ministry during, as well as after, our lifetimes.
Estate Gifts or Other Planned Gifts
You can also make the anniversary offering or ELS missions your beneficiary of a qualified account, or set up a bequest through your will or living trust. It can be a dollar amount or a percentage of your residual estate. This is the best way to avoid estate taxes in states like Minnesota, Iowa, Washington, and Oregon. Call for more details: (507) 344-7311 or 507-344-7395.
