Planned Giving

The Endowment Fund exists to finance the future ministry of St. Jude’s. Bequests (contributions) take many forms, but the principal contribution will be invested, preserved, and only the earnings will be available for use. The Planned Giving program (see below), of which the Endowment Fund is a part, also accepts gifts for either general fund uses or designated projects.

Our Planned Giving Program is administered by two organizations: (1) an Endowment Board of six members appointed by the Vestry (plus the Senior Warden and Rector are voting members) and (2) a Planned Giving Committee formed from interested volunteers. Those members and friends who are participating in the Endowment Fund program become members of the St. Jude’s Legacy Society.

The Endowment Fund was initiated in 2003, recording 18 charter members of the Legacy Society by 2005. At the present, the Legacy Society has grown to 31. Investments are valued at over $60,000. The present Endowment Board, appointed in 2010, now has one vacancy.

If your plan for “if something should happen to you” is both complete and current, this note is not for you. But if you are one of the estimated 1/3 to 1/2 of the adult population that does not even have a will, read on. Excuses vary from not knowing where to start your end of life planning to not being able to see your family without you being there.

St. Jude’s Planned Giving Committee will be using this space each month to focus on one aspect of end of life planning – you can expect that some of the articles will speak to you. In the meantime, why not begin the New Year by getting started? You can get more information from the parish hall tract rack, church office, the pastors, or Jim Reyner – 408/554-1513