Christ Lutheran Church and School Juniata

Ways to Give

Support the Ministries of Christ Lutheran Church and School

Each gift is an act of worship. If you are moved to make a gift, we count it a great joy to partner with you in growing God’s kingdom. Here are ways you can express your generosity based on the gifts God has entrusted to you:

Gifts Today

If you would like to support the ministries of Christ Lutheran or give to the Endowment Fund, here are three easy ways:

  • Cash or checks are the simplest way to contribute, and can be quickly put to use for the ministries you care about.
  • If you send a check for the Endowment Fund, please tell us how you want your gift used.
  • Soon, we’ll have the option available for you to make a debit/credit card gift to Christ online, and designate how you want your gift to be used.
  • Corporate matching gifts are a type of philanthropy in which companies financially match donations their employees make to a church or charity. Check with your employer to see if they have a matching gift program that includes churches or school support.
  • A popular way to give is through a donation of appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and CDs.
  • Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, and even cryptocurrencies are deductible as a charitable donation, and you’ll avoid capital gains tax on the transfer.
  • As a private non-profit, Christ sells the securities and is not subject to tax on the gain. Therefore, you are able to direct the full proceeds of those funds toward the ministry area of your choice, making a larger donation than with a cash gift.

Giving Strategies

Giving strategies provide peace of mind for you and maximize your impact on the ministries you’re passionate about. Below are strategies that minimize unnecessary taxes so you can leave more to your family and the ministries you hold dear.

  • It’s easy to use your IRA for tax-saving charitable gifts. If you’re 70½ or older, you can transfer any amount up to $100,000 per year directly from an IRA to Christ Lutheran Ministries without incurring federal tax. 
  • Such distributions apply toward required minimum distributions (RMD) and do not add to your income. These Charitable IRA Rollovers, technically known as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), include the following possible tax benefits:
    • QCDs are not subject to the annual ceiling on charitable deductions or phaseout of deductions for high earners.
    • QCDs are not included in your gross income calculation, so you may save on Social Security income taxes, avoid the Medicare tax, and enjoy other tax savings.
    • Even if you don’t itemize your deductions, a QCD provides an equivalent tax benefit.
  • Have a SEP, SIMPLE, 401k, and/or 403b retirement plan? There might be strategies that allow you to execute a QCD with these same benefits.
  • Your QCD can be directed to the ministry areas of your choice, just like cash gifts. However, it is essential that the gift comes directly from your IRA specifically, to ensure you receive the above tax benefits.
  • Often referred to as a “giving checkbook,” a Donor Advised Fund simplifies annual giving and record keeping.
  • It helps you control the timing of gifts because you may take the tax deduction during the year you place funds in your DAF and recommend grants from your fund in the future.
  • A popular way to give is through a donation of appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and CDs.
  • Appreciated securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, CDs, and even cryptocurrencies are deductible as a charitable donation, and you’ll avoid capital gains tax on the transfer.
  • As a private non-profit, Christ Lutheran sells the securities and is not subject to tax on the gain. Therefore, you are able to direct the full proceeds of those funds toward the ministry area of your choice, making a larger donation than with a cash gift.

Future Gifts

One of the most impactful ways for you to support our ministries is by including Christ Lutheran in your estate. With prayerful planning you can leave a legacy of generosity and make sure the ministries you care about are supported for generations to come.

  • One of the simplest ways for you to make a charitable gift for the future is through your will or trust.
  • You can designate a specific dollar amount or piece of property (such as your home, farm, or investment property), or you can define your bequest as a percentage of your estate.
  • You can deduct a charitable bequest or trust distribution for federal estate and Nebraska inheritance tax purposes.
  • If you already have a will or trust, your attorney can prepare a simple codicil or trust amendment to make a gift to Messiah.
  • There are many different financial arrangements that allow you to name Christ Lutheran as beneficiary or contingent beneficiary:
    • Retirement plans and individual retirement accounts
    • Bank accounts or certificates of deposit Investment accounts
    • Life insurance
  • See your financial advisor, banker, life insurance agent, retirement plan administrator, or IRA custodian to obtain the necessary forms.
  • You may also want to consult your estate planning advisor to make sure your charitable gift is coordinated with your estate plan.
  • For many, your home is your most valuable asset. You could use your home to make a significant charitable gift while still living there.
  • A retained life estate may offer the key to unlocking just such a gift. A retained life estate allows you to give a personal residence, farm, or vacation home to Messiah and retain the right to live in it for the rest of your life or for a term of years.
  • You receive an immediate charitable tax deduction when the property is transferred to Christ Lutheran. When the term ends, Messiah sells the property and uses the proceeds to benefit Christ’s ministries and grow our Endowment Fund.

Please contact us to learn more, as we are happy to answer your questions and connect you with the right resources.