Legacy Brochure

Extravagant Generosity

How can you give to the church?

If you have a planned gift or anticipate a gift in the near future and are willing to share that information, please feel free to contact the Business Administrator or other church staff with whom you have a personal relationship.

Your plans will be kept confidential to the extent that you prefer.

“We exist temporarily by what we take, we exist forever by what we give.�

Will Rogers, Jr.

The Essentials of Having a Will At your death, a will serves as a road map telling your personal representative how to distribute your assets. Without a will, the laws of the state where your primary residence is determine how assets are divided. Even if you have established a trust, a pour-over will is essential.

Still Have Questions?

Sharon Sorensen,Legacy Administrator Phone (616) 451.2879 sharons@grandrapidsfumc.org

First United Methodist Church

227 Fulton St E Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 451.2879

www.GrandRapidsFUMC.org revised 07/29/14

Legacy Ministry

Mission and Outreach

Scholarships

Throughout its history, First Church has been the recipient of many gifts that were designated for our missions and outreach.

We hope in the future that this fund will help support new missions teams in their efforts around the U.S. and the World and to enhance our outreach programs.

A variety of scholarship funds have been established at First Church over the years. A Music Scholarship fund was given in memory of Ardith Wiltse which benefits students from our church. We also have the Bishop fund which supports students from our church who go on to study at Albion College.

Scholarship Funds donated by George Young and the Massop Family allow the church to help its seminary students with tuition and book support. The Grettenberger fund was given to support scholarships for mission trips.

Music and the Arts This fund is intended to support the Music & Arts program for which our church is known.

Pastoral Care

Building and Facilities This fund is for the preservation and upkeep of our facilities. It is the largest fund under the care of the Trustees. All undesignated bequests to the church go to this fund, and it has also been well-supported by gifts people have given specifically for the upkeep and care of our buildings.

Education and Youth This fund is for the strengthening of our youth and education ministries.

The Pastoral Care fund is designed to support the First Church pastoral and health ministries. It also is used to assist those in need through the Emergency Fund. As the donations increase, we hope this fund will bolster our Health Ministries, Parish Nurse, and Stephen Ministry. In addition, through this fund, we desire to enhance the needed presence to our homebound members and residents of retirement communities.

The “As Needed” Fund The “As Needed” fund is intended for those who want to give our Trustees complete latitude in how to use their gifts. In the past, the staff has used “wish lists” or special fund drives for specific needs, but this fund allows us to cover unexpected expenses that arise as our ministries flourish.

Mission Statement “The mission of the Legacy Committee is to promote the Christian values of life-long stewardship for the resources, facilities, and ministries of First United Methodist Church. Through education and communication about planned giving, the committee will encourage second mile gifts, as well as life gifts, memorials and bequests, for the purpose of continuing the legacy of Christian love.”