What is the Legacy Ministry andPermanent Endowment Fund?

A ministry established to provide members and friends of East Cobb United Methodist Church with the opportunity to make charitable gifts to the church that will become a permanent endowment for support of the ministries of the church. This insures a perpetual contribution to the ministry of the church because only the income is distributed for actual use.

“Wills are very personal and very important, yet too many of us don’t have a will and/or haven’t included our Church in our wills. All we have is a gift from God and in addition to everything else HE’s already given us, HE affords us a chance to leave a Legacy Gift to our Church … HIS Church, to ensure that generations for years to come will have the opportunity to experience the love of GOD through the Members & Friends of ECUMC, just as we all have. Please prayerfully consider leaving a Legacy Gift to East Cobb United Methodist Church.”

- ECUMC Legacy Ministry Committee

We believe . . .

In perpetuating Jesus’ charge to “go forth and make disciples.”

In the future of our church. That what we have is a trust from God. In being good stewards as a church family.

What Ministries does theEndowment Fund Support?

Charitable endowment gifts create a meaningful legacy that provide for vital ministries that may not otherwise be funded through the regular giving of our congregation.

Contributions in any amount may be designated for our General Endowment Fund or these funds:

Building & Grounds Fund Children’s and Youth Ministries Fund Missions Fund Music & Worship Arts Ministries Fund Any other fund that shall be designated from

time to time by the Permanent Endowment and Planned Giving Ministry Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees

A new fund may be named in memory or honor of a person(s) and/or for a specific purpose with an initial investment of $50,000 or more.

Great Day of Service…a special Missions project that relies on the generosity of ECUMC members and friends of all ages who participate in various projects to serve the community in which we live and worship.

What Types of Assets May be Gifted?

Gifts of any size are welcome and are a tax-deductible donation. Cash, insurance policies and publicly traded securities may be gifted without restriction. A 401(k) or IRA are excellent vehicles since a non-charitable heir would be taxed at regular income tax rates whereas a charitable beneficiary would not be subject to tax. Closely-held securities, real property, intangible personal property and other types of property may be gifted in accordance with the Gifts Acceptance Policy.

“We’re extremely excited about the ECUMC Legacy Ministry and the opportunity to contribute the Endowment Fund. We visited ECUMC shortly after moving to Marietta in 2008 and based on the welcome we received from the Church, especially the New Life Class, we joined ECUMC shortly after our first visit. We are so blessed to have such a loving Church Family and we feel called to help ensure the future of ECUMC. Our first gift will be a living gift, a cash contribution to the General Endowment Fund. We believe God has many wonderful plans for HIS Church and know HE will call upon ECUMC to strengthen our existing and expand into new ministries in the future. That’s why we want the Legacy Ministry Committee to have the flexibility to use the income from our gift in the ways that are most appropriate as time passes. In giving while still living we’ll have the chance to see GOD work through HIS people as the Endowment Fund is used to realize our ECUMC vision and fulfill our mission.We’ve also consulted with professional Legal & Financial Advisors to help us determine how best to increase our legacy giving over time. Engaging these professionals will help optimize our giving whether through living giving, bequeathing a final tithe or both and we encourage all to do likewise.

- Val & Jim Rogers

In What Forms May Gifts beMade to the Endowment Fund?

Gifts may be made in the form of outright gifts during your lifetime or at death through a will. An IRA or insurance policy can also be conveyed with the designation of ECUMC as the beneficiary. Additionally, gifts may be made through charitable trusts during your lifetime or at death. Our Legacy Ministry Committee or Church Finance Chair can assist you in getting specific details on these various types of transactions.

Who Administers and Distributes the Funds?Our East Cobb United Methodist Legacy Ministry Committee will administer these funds on an ongoing basis and make distributions based on our church endowment policies with the approval of church leadership. A financial report is presented to the Charge Conference annually and is included in the annual audit of church funds.

Who Manages the Investments?

The investments are professionally managed through the Georgia United Methodist Foundation in Peachtree Corners, Georgia (www.gumf.org). The Foundation also provides confidential consulting services at no charge to donors who are contemplating a planned gift to our church.

Georgia United Methodist Foundation 1-877-220-5664 toll free

www.gumf.org

What is the Legacy Ministry?

The Legacy Ministry Committee is composed of church members and friends who have a passion for Legacy Giving. Some members have already made or indicated that they will be making legacy gifts in the form of a living gift or via their will or estate plan or both. Gifts may be made in honor or memory of a loved one. The commitment of members and friends to leave ECUMC a legacy gifts is extremely important to future ministries of the church. We are developing a process to celebrate these gifts annually if we receive prior approval from donors as the committee respects any donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

“Before Jean died, we often discussed establishing some scholarships to provide financial assistance for advanced education of ECUMC youth. After she died in 1997, I set up the Jean Pratt Memorial Trust Fund in her memory. This fund has since awarded numerous scholarships to many ECUMC students and will continue to do so for years to come. It’s especially rewarding to participate in God’s work in the area of education, and to help students who are a part of our ECUMC Family. We all have the opportunity to make a legacy gift and every single gift matters regardless of size and/or the fund you give to.” - Tom Pratt

How Can I get More Information?Jim Rogers (678) 402-6152Legacy Committee Chair

Rev. Nanci Hicks (770) 547-9381Senior Pastor

East Cobb United Methodist Church2325 Roswell RoadMarietta, GA 30062

770-971-3643www.eastcobbumc.org

East Cobb United Methodist Church

Legacy Ministry

GOD encourages all of us to consider leaving a Lasting Legacy Gift to Our Church?

“But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:20-21