A Commitment to the Future
For more than 160 years, Asbury United Methodist Church has been bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to people in Anne Arundel County. Asbury UMC is striving to know and share God's love unconditionally, following Christ's example. Now you can ensure that Asbury’s ministries will continue long into the future through the Asbury United Methodist Permanent Endowment Fund. Gifts to the Endowment fund have the potential to bear fruit for many generations because only the earnings are spent. The fund will not be used for routine operating expenses, but to establish new ministries or enrich existing ministries. Funds will also be used for capital improvements, missions, and scholarships.
How Can I Give?
Any size gift is welcome. Here are several options as you consider a charitable gift:
- Outright Gifts: This can be cash or other valuables such as stocks or bonds.
- Will or Other Bequest: Giving through a will or bequest is perhaps the most popular way to leave gifts to a church. You might consider leaving a percentage of your estate or a designated amount through a will or bequest.
- Other Forms of Giving
- Life Insurance: You can name the church as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy at death. You may consider naming the church as an alternate beneficiary if the primary beneficiary precedes the insured donor in death.
- Retirement Funds: You may leave the church the remainder of an individual retirement account or 401K account pending your, or a secondary beneficiary’s, death.
- Deferred Gifts: These include charitable remainder trusts where you or your family member can have use of your money during your lifetime. The remainder of the trust would go to ministry through Asbury UMC.
- Life Insurance: You can name the church as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy at death. You may consider naming the church as an alternate beneficiary if the primary beneficiary precedes the insured donor in death.
Tax benefits may accompany your gift. You are encouraged to consult a financial planner or an attorney when making important financial decisions.
Who will manage the endowment?
Asbury United Methodist Church has an Endowment Committee which is accountable to the Church Council. It is composed of the Pastor, Church Treasurer, Chair of the Finance Committee, a representative of the Board of Trustees, the Chair of the Stewardship Committee, and up to five at-large members. Funds will be invested through a Money Management Agreement with The Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation (MAUMF). MAUMF manages over $100 million in assets and investments strictly follows United Methodist principles and values.
Can I designate my gift?
Many people will channel their gifts to the undesignated fund and the earnings will be directed toward a variety of identified ministries in the church. However, with the approval of the Committee, you may also choose to set up a designated fund with a minimum of $30,000. These named funds can be directed toward a specific ministry.
Should I still make an annual commitment to Asbury?
Yes. Your regular faithful giving helps to provide for the day-to-day operations of our church. The Endowment Fund income will not be used to supplement the general operating expenses of our church.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Matthew 25:21
Asbury United Methodist Church
78 Church Road
Arnold, MD 21012
Phone: 410-349-2862
Email: office@asburyumcarnold.org
