Newsletter December, 2001
|
|
|
|
AN UPDATE to KLUBB 500 MEMBERS and CONTRIBUTORS Background of the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church At the time that Mindekirken was established in 1922 most of the city churches had given up using Norwegian in their services. The Founders felt strongly that there should be one congregation in the Twin Cities that would carry on this tradition. Today the 11am service is still conducted in Norwegian. Why Klubb 500 ? Klubb 500 was founded to help preserve Mindekirken in the coming years by raising $500,000.00. These funds will assure that the church will be on sound financial footing. In planning this campaign the Committee felt that a gift of $100.00 each year for five (5) years was affordable for most everyone. How are we doing? We are pleased to announce that we currently have pledges and contributions that total $103,485.00 or about 1/5 of our goal. Still much effort needs to be made if we are going to be successful. Enclosed is a pledge card for those of you who are still considering becoming a member of Klubb 500 ( total gift of $500.00.) Gifts of $1000.00 or more Mary Jo Thorsheim of NORWAY ART has contributed 50 ready to frame limited edition reproductions of a 19th century etching of Borgund Stave Church. These reproductions will be given to contributors who have given $1000.00 or more. There are currently two of these reproductions framed and hanging in the Narthex and the new addition. Activities and Events On October 12 the Male Chorus from Berlevaag, Norway sang to a filled church. This event was only one of many that took place at Mindekirken during the month of the annual Leiv Eriksson International Festival. On Sunday December 16 a noon coffee was hosted by Klubb 500. Committee member Mark Farnan reviewed the mission of Mindekirken and how Klubb 500 is dedicated in helping in the continuation of this institution. One Sunday in April Klubb 500 will assist in planning a special 11am worship service and church coffee. Check the Communicator for the specific date. We look forward to seeing you. How Can I Continue to Give? Gifts can be made to Mindekirken in many forms and in any size. Gifts can be "customized" to fit a donor's needs and personal circumstances. With proper planning, gifts can be useful in helping decrease or avoid taxes that a donor or the donor's family might otherwise incur. Below are some examples of what kinds of assets a donor might give, and also various ways in which to give. What assets to consider giving: Publicly traded securities - Stocks and bonds Giving appreciated stocks and bonds directly to the church helps the donor avoid capital gains.Retirement accounts - The church can be named as a beneficiary of an IRA, TSA, 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account. The donor retains control of the account and the income. The account or a portion of it passes to the church when the donor dies.Cash - This may be the most familiar kind of gift. Donors who itemize deductions on their federal taxes can take a charitable deduction.Real estate - A cabin or home can be donated to the church with the same tax advantages as securities. Donors can retain the right to live in the residence during their lifetimes.Ways to give: Direct gifts - Gifts of stock or cash, as mentioned above, give immediate support to the church or the endowment fund.Life Insurance - Donors can purchase a new life insurance policy naming the church as the contract owner. The premium payments can be tax deductible- Through life insurance a donor's gift can cost very little, and yet make a gift that is much larger than if an equivalent cash gift were given.Bequests - A donor leaves a portion of their estate to Mindekirken through a provision in their will or revocable living trust. This is appealing to the donor who wants to make a gift but also wants to make sure they have sufficient assets and income while living.Beneficiary proceeds - Naming the church or endowment fund as a beneficiary of all or some portion of an existing life insurance contract, annuity or retirement asset (e.g., 401 (k), IRA, etc.).Gifts that provide income to the donor - A donor can give gifts that will provide a guaranteed income for life to a donor, a spouse, or a disabled child. Mindekirken would receive the principal balance of the gift at the donor's death. Options include: Gift annuities, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trusts.There are three important things to do when thinking
about your support for Mindekirken: 1. Think about what kind of a lasting legacy you want
your life to represent and how you can support the ministry of the church. We hope. you and your family have a joyous and blessed Christmas. Thank you for your continued support of Mindekirken as it is Building the future, preserving the past. Mary Ann Olsen, Mark Farnan and Drew Gerling contributed to this article. Mark S. Farnan and Drew Gerling are District Representatives at Lutheran Brotherhood (763)595-9999 |
The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church · 924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 · (612)874-0716 |