Bethlehem Foundation

Mission

The Mission of the Bethlehem Foundation is to grow the assets of its Endowment Fund, manage it responsibly, and distribute a portion of the funds annually to help further Bethlehem Lutheran’s mission. Distributions from the Foundation will fund special requests outside of the Church’s operating budget. The Bethlehem Foundation provides a unique opportunity to create an enduring legacy of our commitment to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and its ministries. The Foundation seeks to expand the ministries of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

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FAQs:

What is the Bethlehem Foundation?
Established by the Bethlehem Lutheran Congregation in 2002, the Bethlehem Foundation supports this Church’s ministry by investing gifts in an Endowment Fund in which the principal is retained and a percentage of the fund is distributed each year to support people in need, and programs, consistent with Bethlehem Lutheran’s Mission. The Foundation is incorporated independent of the Church and the funds are separate from the general fund.

What is the purpose of the Bethlehem Foundation?
In a word, ministry! This fund is strengthening the ministry of the people of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, by funding ministries, projects, and programs which are not typically supported from the weekly offerings of the congregation.

Why is the Bethlehem Foundation so important?
With the passage of time, the growing assets of this fund will significantly strengthen the ability of the congregation to carry on the ministry of Christ.

Who will manage the fund?
A board elected by the congregation along with the pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church manages the assets of the Bethlehem Lutheran Endowment Fund and solicits gifts for the fund. One or two members of the elected board must be church council members. The Board may retain a professional investment manager or firm to manage the assets of the fund.

How are Funds Disbursed?
The Bethlehem Foundation Board actively seeks requests and recommendations from the congregation and community. The Board will seek to provide funding for the following: Missions, Education, Youth and Family, and Worship and Music.

What kind of gifts are being sought?
The Board is seeking special gifts, memorials, bequests and insurance plans. The board seeks to educate the congregation about the importance of charitable giving, wills, bequests and insurance plans. The gifts can take the form of almost any asset: cash, stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.

Are such gifts tax deductible?
Yes. Gifts given to the Bethlehem Foundation, as well as all income derived from it, will be used exclusively for charitable, education and religious purposes and therefore qualify as a charitable contribution, all as contemplated and permitted by Sections 170(c)(2) and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Service Code.

Why consider such a gift?
We are called to follow in the way of the cross in every aspect of life. Gifts to the Bethlehem Foundation Endowment Fund can be an important part of our stewardship, even if our financial circumstances are limited. As Christians we can make significant, long-term gifts to the ministry of Christ by prayerful estate planning and asset allocation.

Who can answer my questions?
You may contact a member of the Bethlehem Foundation Board, Bethlehem Lutheran’s senior pastor, or the church office. They will be happy to answer whatever questions they can, or will arrange for you to speak with someone who can.

How can I participate?
Give serious, prayerful consideration to your circumstances, then contact a member of the Bethlehem Foundation Board or the Church office who will help you in arranging your gift.

Who needs an estate plan?
Christians seek to honor God in every aspect of life. Long-range financial planning should not be left to chance or accident. A proper will and appropriate estate plan can be part of the stewardship of all Christians, whether young, old, married, single, wealthy or of modest means. Many kinds of gifts are attractive to Christians with special tax or estate-planning needs. Two good examples are: charitable-remainder trusts, which allow the donor to retain the income while giving the principal to the designated charity, and insurance gifts, in which the donor pays premiums on a policy with the designated charity as the beneficiary. Although a simple will may be adequate for many people, the needs of minor children, the potential for an inheritance, or the ownership of a business may suggest the wisdom of a more far-reaching plan.

Contact Pastor Amy for more information.