“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ…Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but many.” ~St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians

It is through our variety of gifts that we build up the Body of Christ. The Time and Talent sheet will help you discern how to use your unique gifts through the variety of ministry opportunities at Good Shepherd. Please print the sheet, fill it out, and mail it to the church office. Questions? Contact Sue Corman

“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord: it is holy to the Lord.” Leviticus 27:30

WHY DO WE GIVE?

We give to show our thankfulness for God’s love, forgiveness and presence in our lives in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We symbolically give to the church because the church is going about God’s work in the world. We come to CGS with others to wrestle with questions about life and God. We value the worship; music; the weddings, baptisms and funerals at those critical times in our lives; the Christian Education programs for all ages; the outreach programs to the those in need; the pastoral support given by our clergy and lay people as we support those in crisis; and the laughter and fellowship we share. Financial support is also needed to heat, light, and maintain our historical building.

HOW DO WE GIVE?

Many are are led to make an annual commitment or “pledge” to CGS which is also called “Envelope Giving.” This gift can be made by check, electronic ACH, credit card or cash each week, month or however you like.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE

We encourage you to adopt the concept of “Sacrificial Percentage Giving.” God made a sacrifice for us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, so that we might have life! Therefore we are called to symbolically make a “sacrifice” of our financial income so that God’s presence may thrive in the world through the work of the people of the church. We do not want you to give such a small amount that it means nothing to your faith relationship with God. We also do not want you to give so much that you neglect other important aspects of your personal budget. Therefore, give a percentage that “hurts some” - it is a sacrifice for you. We do not teach tithing because giving 10% may not be sacrificial at all, and you may need to consider a higher percentage. For some giving less than 10% may be very sacrificial. Practicing “Stewardship,” means being wise with how we spend all of our money, and making sure our budget coincides with the priorities we set of the things we value.

Legacy giving can provide support for generations to come. Speak to your estate planning lawyer and to your family to determine if any of these options work best for you.

BEQUESTS – This is the simplest and most common option. A bequest is a legal provision in your will or the living trust portion of your will. You can name Church of the Good Shepherd as the beneficiary of a specific percentage of your estate, stocks, piece of property, or as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

GIFTS OF RETIREMENT ASSETS – You may reduce the size of your estate and potential income tax exposure to your heirs by naming Church of the Good Shepherd as a beneficiary of your retirement plan assets, such as your IRA or your 401(k) accounts.

GIFTS OF REAL ESTATE – A gift of real estate can be designated in a number of ways. You can make an outright gift of your property to Church of the Good Shepherd. You can also enter into a retained life estate arrangement, where the property is deeded to Church of the Good Shepherd at the time of the gift, yet you retain the right of occupancy for you and/or your loved ones.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES – In return for a gift of cash or appreciated stocks, you can receive a fixed annual income for yourself and/or your loved ones for life. Not only will you receive a sizable charitable income tax deduction or capital gains tax reduction, but also a portion of your income payments will be tax free. Not only will your gift eventually help Church of the Good Shepherd, but you can supplement your retirement income and receive a current income tax reduction.