November is naturally a time of thanks and giving. It is also the season when we begin prayerfully planning for the upcoming year, considering how our financial stewardship will support our shared ministry and community work.
This past year has been a wonderful season for Hurstbourne Christian Church. We have grown in membership, expanded our outreach, and, most importantly, made a meaningful impact in our community. None of this happens by accident; it is the direct result of your dedication to God’s work here. From planning outreach events and setting up fellowship meals to organizing clothes closets and clearing fallen trees, your gift of time and labor is deeply appreciated.
Of course, fulfilling our mission also requires financial resources. Just as we value your time, we strive to manage every dollar efficiently. As you prayerfully consider your giving for the year ahead, we want to remind you that there are several thoughtful ways to support the church beyond traditional weekly cash or check offerings that may also benefit your personal financial planning:
Stock & Appreciated Assets: Donating appreciated stock directly to the church allows you to bypass capital gains taxes on those shares while making a substantial gift to ministry. For example, one of our members gifted shares originally purchased for around $1 that had grown to over $100 per share, significantly boosting their support for our missions while minimizing tax liability.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Members with retirement accounts who are required to take annual distributions often find that transferring their RMD directly to the church as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a highly tax-efficient way to give compared to writing a personal check.
While I am a minister rather than a tax advisor, I always encourage our congregation to explore ways to give intentionally. Several members who use these methods share that it allows them to extend their stewardship even further by directing tax savings right back into the missions of our church.
If you have questions about setting up a stock transfer or IRA distribution, our treasurer, Joey Bailey, is happy to assist you with the process. As always, we recommend consulting with your personal financial or tax professional to determine the best approach for your individual situation.
Thank you for your continued generosity, prayers, and dedication to Hurstbourne Christian Church!