Stewardship is …

Legacy of Faith

The kingdom of God … is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in the shade.

(Mark 4:31-32)

 
Donations today can ensure ministry at Islington for decades to come. When invested wisely your gift can grow like the mustard seed to provide for the spiritual nurture of future generations. There are several ways to create a Legacy of Faith.

What Is Planned Giving?
A Planned Gift refers to a process of planning your charitable gifts to meet both your philanthropic goals and your family needs. The emphasis is placed on directing the gift to a ministry or purpose that will make a difference in God’s world and, at the same time, on structuring the gift to maximize the tax and other financial benefits of the gift.

A Planned Gift may be either a current gift from assets or a deferred gift such as a bequest. It comes first from the heart and is a way to create a Legacy of Faith that reflects the values by which you lead your life. For you, it is a way to respond to God in gratitude for all that God has given you. For Islington, your Planned Gift ensures that this congregation will be able to minister to future generations.

A Planned Gift can be made from accumulated assets, current income, as well as from your estate. A current Planned Gift may be in the form of cash, securities, bonds or property. For example, because of recent tax law changes, a gift of publicly traded securities can be donated to Islington and no capital gains tax will apply. A deferred Planned Gift may be a bequest, which is a gift to Islington through your will. Your estate can use the charitable donation receipt to create a tax credit. Other examples of deferred gifts are: gifts of life insurance, charitable remained trusts, gifts of residual interest and gift annuities.

What Is a Memorial or Honour Gift?

Memorial Gift – Remember the life of a loved one or special person with a monetary gift that expresses the celebration of their life and faith – provide a meaningful remembrance for the bereaved . Islington will advise the family that you have made a gift.
Often in their estate planning, a person will designate the church to be the recipient of any memorial gifts. Or, a person’s family may make this choice when planning the funeral in recognition of the loved one’s life of faith. Their intention is usually published in the newspaper obituary. Special donation cards are available from the church to include with a cheque then Islington provides the family with the names of all donors and their addresses.

Honour Gift – Recognize a special occasion or milestone with a lasting gift of faith. Whether you are marking a baptism or confirmation, a marriage or its anniversary, a special birthday or some exceptional achievement, your donation continues to build up the body of Christ for years to come.
For a confidential discussion about a Planned Gift or another Legacy of Faith, please contact Carole Bennett at or call 416.239.1131 ext. 33.

Special Appeals
In addition to the appeals made through Special Purpose Envelopes, there may be other appeals to the congregation to assist people in need with monetary gifts or gifts in kind – within our congregation, in our community, or in the world. Some recent programs include: Tsunami Relief, Central America Hurricane Relief, Russian Hostage Victim Relief, Helen’s New Truck, Fans for the Mabelle Community, and others.

Special Purpose Trust Funds

(to be developed)

For more information about stewardship please e-mail Carole Bennett, Stewardship & Church Administrator, or call 416.239.1131 ext. 33.

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