This year, our Stewardship theme is Walk in Love. In John 13:34, Jesus says to us, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” So, how do we love? We start with each other - our community here at St. Philip's. Supporting one another in our physical, emotional and spiritual needs. We continue to spread that love outside these walls, to our wider community through outreach into our neighborhoods, into our workplace, our cities and into the world.
You are invited to reflect upon your needs thoughtfully and prayerfully from our parish, and your abilities to support our community with time and tithes as you are able.
An important part of keeping this community together is also planning for our financial needs at St. Philip's. Our budget this year is approximately $400k, and we are halfway there! Thank you! Please consider a pledge for 2024 so we can close the budget gap together.
Thanks to those who have already put in your 2024 pledges. A friendly reminder for others to consider this effort and put in your 2024 pledges.
Please enter the amount you would like to give and select the frequency of your gift.
What is a pledge or tithe? Giving of your blessings towards doing God's work.
Need some guidance? Consider your weekly spending. Could you give a little bit to God this week? Perhaps $5, $25, $50, $100, more? Multiply by 52 weeks and you have an annual pledge! Separate from the Sunday offering plate, this pledge offering enables us to plan financially for St. Philip's.
Thank you!
IRA Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
When you reach the age of 70 and 1/2, the IRS requires you to begin taking distributions out of your IRA. These distributions (called Required Minimum Distributions or RMDs) are determined by a formula based on your age and are taxable as ordinary income. However, gifts to St. Philip’s (and other charities up to a total of $100,000) that are funded out of an RMD can be excluded from your taxable income. The ability to exclude the amount of your gift from the calculation of your taxable income may provide a greater tax benefit than treating the gift as a deductible charitable expense.
Stocks, Bonds and Mutual Funds: Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds and mutual funds can often provide important tax advantages. If held for more than one year, their fair market value is deductible as a charitable contribution.
An added benefit of giving appreciated securities is the avoidance of the capital gains tax on the appreciated portion of the gift. For Stock Gift Instructions please click here.
GIVE TOMORROW
Bequests: Consider naming St. Philip’s to receive a portion of your estate through your will. In doing so, you may reduce estate taxes. You may stipulate a specific amount or a percentage of your estate, or name a specific asset.
Retirement Funds: Double taxation on retirement plan withdrawals may decrease the value of the asset for your heirs. By naming St. Philip’s as the beneficiary of your retirement funds, you can avoid taxes and preserve your hard-earned assets for the good of the church.
Life Insurance: Life insurance policies also can be used as charitable gifts. By naming St. Philip’s Church as the owner and beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy, you receive an immediate tax deduction for the policy’s cash value. If you are still making premium payments to keep the policy current, they may also qualify for a deduction. You may also keep ownership of the insurance policy and name St. Philip’s as the beneficiary.
Matthew Illian, Treasurer St. Philip’s Church in the Highlands treasurer@stphilipshighlands.org