Endowment Fund

On May 21, 2001, the congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church established the Bethlehem Endowment Fund. The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to provide a vehicle and structure for charitable giving. Members of the congregation who have the ability and desire may use this means to further the mission of Bethlehem in witnessing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Endowment Fund will provide a perpetual source of income to benefit local, regional and worldwide missions, Christian education, worship and music, capital projects and children and youth programs.

The investment policy adopted be the Endowment Fund Committee is to invest wisely and prudently, maintaining a balance between growth, income and capital preservation and to invest monies by the stewardship principles of the mission statement of the church. Consistent with this policy, the Committee has resolved to maintain a Fund portfolio ratio of approximately 60% cash or very minimum risk investments and 40% equities.

Monies are currently invested in Legg Mason Value Trust Mutual Fund, Vanguard Windsor II Mutual Fund, Vanguard Short Term Bond Fund and Alliance Money Market Fund. Only growth and income from investments are used for distributions. Thus far, the Endowment Fund has made generous contributions to the women’s quilting group (new sewing machine); DOULA Teen Parent Program, a local program tp prepare teens for parenthood; the Goodwill Inn Shelter, which provides lodging for the homeless and transient; a commitment for each house built be Habitat for Humanity-Grand Traverse Region; the House of Hope, a place for young women to get comfort; and to the Omena House. The Fund has money to distribute and requests are always welcomed.

If you desire to contribute to the continued growth of the Endowment Fund, please consider:

• A direct cash contribution
• Directing memorials for loved ones to the Endowment Fund
• Gifting of appreciated stocks or assign investment income
• Contributing through your will or your testamentary or living trust

(We suggest you consult your investment or tax advisor)

For more information, please contact your Committee members, Steve Anable, Marlene Haberman, Jim Leibenguth, Henry Peet, Rod Peters or the Church office.

Nurturing the Endowment Fund

"There comes a day when we understand that all is of grace, that the whole world is a gift of God, a completely generous gift. We see each flower, each drop of water, each minute of our life as a gift of God." -- Paul Tournier

Wouldn't it be wonderful if our Christmas gift this year could keep on giving and giving and giving? Well, there is a convenient make this a reality. We all support causes, institutions and projects that are important to us. The Endowment Fund has supported many worthwhile causes including the following: LSSM, Trinity Seminary, Goodwill Inn, Love Inc., House of Hope, Habitat for Humanity and others. The Fund's by-laws state it is to be an Outreach Program. So far, the Fund has dispersed $9750. in interest and dividends to worthy causes in our community and beyond. Suggestions for disbursements are urged with forms being available in the church office.

This year-end appeal welcomes each and every gift which will be prudently invested by your dedicated Committee. Members of the Committee are Stephanie Anable, Rod Peters, Mark jackson, Henry Peet, and Marlene Habermann.

Merry Christmas! For God so loved the world …