For more than 150 years, Marvin Church has been an important part of the Body of Christ in East Texas. Its ministry has been influential throughout our state and country. Continuation of that tradition requires us to think of future generations. We believe that laying a strong foundation to provide financial resources for the future is an important part of Christian stewardship.

Today, the church is challenged in ways we never thought possible. Public prayer and other Christian practices sometimes are considered "out of touch." We must not be afraid to be a contradiction in the world, to speak boldly for our belief in God's Son, who said, "I am the truth and the life." We must preserve and protect the foundations of our Christian Heritage.

Ways to give

Marvin United Methodist Church encourages members to establish permanent funds to provide income in perpetuity, to undergird the various ministries of the church. Our goal is to offer as much information as possible and to have each family prayerfully consider its ability and opportunity to make a gift.

Effective giving

Gifts of non-cash assets often offer the best means for giving that is both tax wise and income wise. Giving the right asset, the right amount, at the right time in the right configuration all enter into effective giving.

Effective giving is just giving that is tax wise and estate wise for the donor's own financial situation and which accomplishes the charitable goal of the donor.

Gifts may be made to the general endowment of the church, or to a new or existing fund for missions, maintenance of buildings and facilities, children's or youth ministry, senior adults, music ministry, staff support, scholarships, etc. Donors may specify the use of their gifts either through provisions in a will or through the Gift Agreement Form used by the church to insure the donor's wishes are honored.

Gifts of non-cash assets often offer the best means for giving that is both tax wise and income wise. Giving the right asset, the right amount, at the right time in the right configuration all enter into effective giving. Many donors want to consult an attorney or accountant, or they may use the Gift Agreement form which has been approved by our church Board of Trustees.

Charitable endowment giving is not just the providence of wealthy donors. Through remainder trusts, bequests in wills and gifts of non-cash assets, endowment giving is an option for people of all economic groups. The main qualification is a charitable spirit.

Trust funds

Our tax laws encourage charitable giving, especially bequests in wills and trusts created while living, which can save estate taxes for heirs. Over time, many Marvin members have generously given trust funds to sustain various ministries vital to the growth of our faith.

For details of any of these funds, contact the finance office (903-592-7396).

Wilber Wesley Brown - Provides a spring event for spiritual life at Marvin.
Herd Auditorium - For the maintenance of Herd Auditorium
Hershbach Scholarships - For study abroad
Littlejohn Scholarships - For those preparing to be missionaries
Maintenance Endowment - For upkeep of the church facilities
Marvin Concert Series - Support for the annual concert series at Marvin
Marvin UMC - Promotes evangelism and maintains facilities
Marvin Parsonage - Maintenance of the senior pastor's parsonage
Don and Allene Murchison - Provides scholarships
Pirtle Lectures - Brings religious leaders to Tyler and Marvin each fall for a lecture series
McClesky Scholarships - Scholarships for ministerial students
Waterland Transportation - For any transportation needs of the church
Jack and Dorothy Fay White - Supports the Easter and Christmas music presentations
Clyde Wofford - Promotes sacred music

Bequests

Making a will is one of the most important things you will ever do. A will ensures your accumulated resources will be distributed as you wish. Without a will, state laws dictate the distribution, perhaps not as you wish.

Outright gifts

Cash
Cash is the easiest way to give but may not always be the wisest way.

Securities
A gift of securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) or other property such as a home or land can offer special tax advantages if these have increased in value.

Life insurance
Life insurance can be given by assigning the cash value or dividends, or making your church or a charity the beneficiary of a new or existing policy. Each of these permits a tax deduction.

Retirement funds
Gifts of pensions, IRAs and other retirement funds (including CDs and savings accounts) are one of the simplest but often overlooked ways to make significant planned gifts.

Memorial gifts
Memorial gifts or gifts in honor of loved ones or friends go on serving forever when added to permanent endowment funds. Only the interest earned is spent. Gifts may be undesignated or for specific funds of the donor's choice.

Ways to give and receive

Gift annuity
A gift annuity will provide you or someone you name, or both, with lifetime income. The rate is based on age--the older you are, the higher the rate. You will receive a tax deduction for a portion of your annuity, some of the income will be tax free, and if the annuity is funded with property which has appreciated in value, capital gains will receive favored tax treatment.

Living trust
A living trust (charitable remainder unitrust or annuity trust) may be set up for life or a limited number of years up to 20 to provide income for you, someone of your choice or both. You will receive a tax deduction now, and at maturity the principal will be distributed as you designate.

Revocable living trust
A revocable living trust is a gift you can take back if the need arises. It provides no income tax advantages now but does escape estate taxes and avoids probate court costs. It also provides privacy if you wish, whereas gifts by will are a matter of public record.

Charitable lead trust
A charitable lead trust lets your church or a charity receive income for a term of years and then the property reverts back to you or your heirs.