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The Keys Society: Planned Giving at St. Peter's Episcopal Church

And other seeds fell into good soil and brought forth grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirty fold and sixty fold and a hundred fold. —Mark 4:8-9

All that we are and all that we have comes from God and will one day return to God. We are stewards of God’s bounty . . . caretakers. For a brief period we are given time, spirit, and resources. What we do with these gifts ultimately defines the character of our lives.

It’s important to let loved ones know what has been important to you in your life. A planned gift to St. Peter’s Church sends a message. It says, “This church is an important part of my life. It has been there when I needed it and I want to make sure that it will continue to be there for you and for others.”

A planned gift to St. Peter’s Church reminds your loved ones that, wherever they live, giving something back to their church is an important Christian value.

A planned gift can:

• Support St. Peter’s programs that are especially important to you
• Strengthen and grow our outreach ministry
• Confirm the parish’s financial future
• Continue your tradition of giving through endowment of your annual pledge.

The Keys Society was established by the Vestry in 1996 to recognize all who have provided for the future mission and ministries of St. Peter’s Church through a planned gift.

You can designate your gift to a current purpose or ensure the future through St. Peter’s Endowment Fund.

The Endowment Fund was established to enable St. Peter’s Church to develop and enhance its mission and ministries.

The use of the Fund is the responsibility of the Vestry with the guidance of the Finance Committee and the Investment Committee. It is invested and managed by investment professionals, currently Lazard Freres.

A portion of the total earnings is made available each year for use in ways that are consistent with Fund restrictions and aligned with the mission of the parish, to maintain our historic buildings and enhance and expand St. Peter’s program and outreach.

Your gift will strengthen the ministry of St. Peter’s Church. Whether your contribution expands programming or helps the church through economic hardship, it will be an inspiration to present and future members to know that your generosity helps to carry on the mission and work of St. Peter’s Church.

Tools for Planned Giving

There are several ways to make planned gifts to St. Peter’s Church. Some of the most common include:

• A Gift in Life: a gift of cash, securities, or other assets, such as objects of value and real estate.

• Bequest: provides for loved ones, the church, and others through a provision in the donor’s will.

• Life Insurance: allows a large gift at small cost by giving a new or existing policy or by designating the church as beneficiary of a policy.

• Charitable Remainder Trust: allows a donor to receive income for life while
making a major gift to the church; the Pooled Income Fund and Charitable Gift Annuity are similar vehicles for smaller gifts.

• Revocable Living Trust: allows a gift of assets to be made now while retaining the right to retrieve those assets later.

• Charitable Lead Trust: allows a donor to give income to St. Peter’s for a period of years but have the assets later returned to a family member or other beneficiary.

• A Memorial Gift: can be made through any of the above methods by designating the gift in memory of a loved one.

What should I do next?

If you would like more information about Planned Giving at St. Peter’s Church, please contact Frank Failla, Chairman of the Keys Society (973-540-1678; FJFailla@aol.com). Also contact Frank if you would like to speak with someone familiar with estate planning, or if you believe you already qualify for inclusion in the Keys Society by virtue of having remembered St. Peter’s Church in your will or other estate plans.

However you choose to create your planned gift, consult your attorney or accountant regarding the tax benefits of your contribution.

You may wish to share the particulars of the St. Peter’s Endowment Fund with your personal financial advisor to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the disposition of your gift and how it will be managed.

Know that your generosity will be received to the glory of God and with the appreciation of your congregation.