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“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NIV)
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Giving

Your Generosity Matters

Be a Part of Making a Change

The St. Mark’s UMC General Budget is structured around the organizational policies and operational plans of the congregation. It outlines the distribution of financial resources for ministry, strategic and operational priorities. It is the leading indicator of the vitality and fiscal health of the church. Governance oversight is provided by the Church Council and the Finance Committee.

Contributions made to St. Mark’s, unless otherwise designated, are applied to the “General Budget” by default.

The General Budget supports staff compensation, funding for programs and ministries, and ensures that the St. Mark’s campus remains open for worship, fellowship, learning, healing and prayer.

The General Budget also supports mission and ministry projects beyond the Arden-Arcade area. As a community resource to greater Sacramento metropolitan area and through the United Methodists’ ”connectional system,” St. Mark’s collective giving enables the spread of love of Jesus Christ throughout the world, providing poverty and disaster relief, clergy education and cultivation of inter-faith collaboration.

Support for specific needs and causes

Designed giving provides the option to give to a specific need, ministry or project within the church or to create a memorial to recognize a loved one. Members of the Finance Committee can provide guidance with gifts, memorials, and bequests to fulfill this purpose.

Give today for tomorrow’s ministries

Gifts, memorials and bequests are planned giving options that allow St. Mark’s to make a difference in people’s lives. The church appoints the Finance Committee the stewardship role to provide oversight of gifts, memorials and bequests to ensure that all contributions are used in accordance with the wishes of the donor(s).

General Definitions

  • A gift is a sizable donation of personal property. It typically is a one-time contribution, presented by an individual or on behalf of a decedent.
  • A memorial is a gift to the church in remembrance of a deceased loved one, often for a particular program or function close to the heart of the decedent.
  • A bequest is a gift by will or testament intended to benefit the religious function of St. Mark’s. Charitable bequests may reduce the estate taxes that might be owed on the estate by the decedent.

About Our Funds

Generous gifts have created our current roster of endowment funds, including:

Restricted Funds

  • Robert & Doris Moon Lecture Fund – supports the lecture series
  • Michael Schaitz Memorial Fund – supports the youth ministry

Unrestricted Funds

  • Robert Kehrein Fund
  • E. Ray Miller Memorial Fund
  • Edward Eugene Riggs Fund
  • D. Donald Weichert Memorial Fund
  • Oswald Zimmerman Fund

Examples of Designated Giving in Action

Grace Cafe project

Estimated Cost: $85,000
Grace Cafe is one of the oldest building structures on the St. Mark’s campus. The Trustees have deemed that this structure has a sound framework that lacks insulation and air conditioning. The building hosts events and functions for Youth & Young Adult Ministries, monthly Community Breakfasts, Family Promise Ministries and many others. The proposed project includes:

  • Rebuild the north and south doors and walls with the installation of double-pane windows and insulated walls
  • Install two handicap-accessible interior restrooms and showers
  • Upgrade the electrical service and
    Install air conditioning

AED's

(Automated External Defibrillators)

Estimated Cost: $1,200 to $3,000 each
In the event that heart failure is experienced by a member of the St. Mark’s congregation or a guest while on campus, prompt application of an AED before emergency response personnel arrive could make the difference between life and death.

Accelerating Payments on the Education Building

Estimated Cost: $210,000
The Education Building was erected in 1992 to meet the growing needs of a thriving, progressive congregation. Approximately $1,800 is paid each month on this loan on a 25-year pay-off plan. Accelerating payment on this loan would open opportunities to advance community outreach and ministry advancement.

Vertical Lift for Maintaining High Places

Estimated Cost: $7,500
The large open space in the Sanctuary inspires worship, but also makes it difficult to change light bulbs, install seasonal decorations and maintain fixtures above the floor. A lift platform that would progressively rise 25 feet (such as JLG 25AM-AC or Genie AWP-25S) would facilitate reach to high places in the Sanctuary and throughout the structures on the church campus.

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