A Legacy of Gratitude
“No one but God alone knows how much I love and honor that church. . . I want to have some little part of the work of (Westminster) after I have gone.”
Charles Thompson, Last Will & Testament, 1914
Westminster Church is pleased to provide members and friends the opportunity to make a lasting gift of gratitude through their estate. With the Legacy of Gratitude Program, we encourage members to respond to God’s grace with gratitude, help sustain the mission of Westminster, and create a legacy with a gift that reflects deeply held values.
Westminster’s endowment is the result of a tradition of careful stewarship of generous Legacy Gifts over nearly one hundred years. It plays a key role in supporting the church’s mission, ensuring the continuation of programs, and protecting the church from adverse circumstances.
A Legacy Gift most commonly takes the form of a simple bequest in a will that costs nothing during one’s lifetime but benefits Westminster at the death of the donor. It may also take the form of an annuity that pays life income, an insurance policy, trust, or a gift of stock or property. A Legacy Gift can be of any size, and often has significant tax benefits for the donor and heirs.
To create your own legacy of gratitude that will endure in perpetuity and sustain the mission of Westminster for future generations, contact Mary Hess, 612-332-3421, or one of the members of the Legacy Committee. You may also complete the Response Card and return it to Mary Hess, Westminster Legacy Program, 1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Are you over 70 ½? If so, through 2009 you may be able to make a gift directly from your IRA without reporting the gift as income.
For further information:
Words for Bequest:
The bequest language for Westminster Presbyterian Church is:
“I give and bequeath to Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1200 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, 55403 the sum of $____ or ___ percent of my remaining estate for Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Endowment Fund.”
These words may be used by your attorney for inclusion in your will.
Note: Members are advised to consult with their own attorney or tax advisor for all financial planning decisions.
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The Legacy Committee helps Westminster members learn more about Legacy Gifts and their role in sustaining Westminster’s mission into the future. Feel free to contact Mary Hess or any member of the committee for more information.
Carmen Campbell – Chair
Jim Bonneville
Barbara Brown
Jock Donaldson
Marion Etzwiler
Paul Hyde
Joan Hyde
Ann MacDonald
Nancy Slaughter
Katherine Youngblood
Staff
Mary C. Hess – Director of Legacy Giving – 612.332.3421
Sam Cooke – Director of Administration
Tim Hart-Andersen – Senior Pastor
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