We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and the wonders that he has done, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children. -Psalm 78:6

Fall 2009 stewardship

We can do more together than we could ever do individually ... from generation to generation.

November 8, 2009: Dedication Sunday

What exactly does our stewardship theme “From Generation to Generation” mean practically to us? Our history tells us that what we do each year is not done in a vacuum. Second Church today stands on the shoulders of all those who have gone before, and future generations will benefit by what we do now. Just think where we would be had the prior generation not taken the risk of buying our property, taking out a mortgage, and building our present structure.

What we do this year not only affects our current budget, but will serve as an acknowledgement of what prior generations have done and will inspire future generations in their efforts. It is important in this process to ask: “what does God ask of us?” The Bible directs us to search our hearts to determine what we can do to live our lives close to Him. That applies in all parts of our lives: our daily living, our relations with others, and our relation with our church.

Stewardship is an important part of our spiritual journey. We do know that God wants us to make use of the time, talent, and treasure He has given us. The hymns we sang on Kickoff Sunday reminded us that what we have comes from God. Without Him we have nothing and surely we owe Him a portion of what He has given us. Paul reminds us that we will reap the benefits of cheerful giving so that God will provide us with “every blessing in abundance.”

Stewardship is one way to deepen our faith and bring us closer to God. While each of us considers our pledge to make on (or before) Dedication Sunday, we pray that each of us will seek to do what God wants and that we will receive that abundant blessing.

In Christ’s name,

The Stewardship Council

What is stewardship?

Stewardship is using well what has been entrusted to you. As Christians, we believe that God is the source of all that we have, including life itself. We are entrusted with all the talents and gifts of life as an expression of God's love for us, a trust to be used wisely.

What are stewardship pledges?

Pledges are your financial commitment to the church, plus your gifts of time and talent to the ministries of Second Presbyterian Church.

Why should I pledge?

The first reason is because Christ calls on us to make tangible commitments to God with our money and through our actions toward others. Second, the church must know its income in order to plan its ministries.

Does my pledge really matter?

Absolutely! First, your pledge is vital for your own spiritual life. On numerous occasions, Jesus warned of the danger of placing your trust in wealth rather than in God. If you are rich toward God, your life will be more fulfilling. The second reason your pledge matters is because our budget is not supported by a handful of large gifts. It takes all of our gifts combined to support the mission and ministries of SPC. Without adequate income, ministries and staff positions will have to be cut.

What does the church do with my money?

Christ calls on us to love God with all our heart, mind and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Though our financial gifts and our contributions of time and talent, we praise God and deepen our faith (Worship and Music), care for our members (Caring and Fellowship), help people in need in our community and around the globe (Mission, nurture and teach disciples of all ages (Christian Education, Youth Ministries, Adult Ministries), share the good news with others (Outreach), maintain our beautiful facilities (Trustees), and much more!

What does SPC need from me in 2009 and beyond?

We need your financial support to maintain our vital ministries and to keep our talented staff. Prayerfully consider working towards a tithe by increasing your donations each year until you are giving 10 percent of your income and time to Gods work. You can meet this goal over a period of years if you increase your percentage each year.

Ways to give

Second Presbyterian Accepts Gifts in Many Ways

Securities or Stock Gifts:  Gifts of stock, which may provide substantial tax advantages for donors are easily transferred to Second Church.  Donors receive a charitable deduction for the full fair-market value of the stock and avoid capital gains taxes on the gain. Transferring stock electronically: 1. Notify the Church of your intention to transfer your stock by calling Mary Jo Gibson. 2. Provide the following information to the church: Your name, purpose of your gift, name and phone number of your broker, name of stock and number of shares. 3. Instruct your broker to transfer the stock as follows:

Brown Advisory Securities, LLC DTC# 141
For Further Credit: Second Presbyterian Church Account (General Gift) #7796-7006 (For questions please contact Lesley Ashley or Tony Mavrellos at Brown Advisory (410-537-5516.)

Delivering Stock by Hand to the Church Office: 1. Endorse the stock certificate(s) as registered or sign a stock power as registered. 2. Write a letter stating that the stock is a gift to Second Presbyterian Church.

Gifts from an IRA: If you are 70 years old and have an IRA, you are required to take a minimum distribution (RMD), which is taxable, each year from your IRA. New IRS rules allow you to make a gift directly from the RMD of your IRA to Second Presbyterian Church. By making a gift in this manner, you avoid having the RMD increase the size of your income and may enjoy a tax advantage. Contact the custodian of your IRA or your broker for paperwork.

Bequest: You may want to ensure the future of Second Presbyterian Church by naming the Church as a beneficiary of your Will. The Legacy Society was formed to honor members and friends who are dedicated to Second Church’s service to future generations. You become a member simply by letting us know that you have made a bequest to the Church and, if you wish, provide us with a copy of your Will.

Birthday Circle: Each member is afforded the opportunity to make a commemorative gift to Second Church on the occasion of his/her birthday. Gifts of any size are accepted, but many members choose to make a gift of $1.00 for each year of age, year of membership, or for the year in which they joined Second Church. All gifts go to the endowment and are used for the long-term viability of the Church.

Time and Talents: Of course, Second Presbyterian Church welcomes the gift of time and abilities that many members make. These include special skills in service to God’s people and the Church through in-house programs such as teaching, administration, clerical assistance, or outreach beyond our congregation to examples as schools, shelters or food pantries. 

All these ways give life to the message of scripture:

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”

The Legacy Society: Ensuring the Future

The Legacy Society was formed in 2003 to honor members and friends who are dedicated to ensuring Second church’s long-term viability and service to future generations. In most cases bequests will become part of our endowment and help ensure a legacy for tomorrow’s congregants. Becoming a member of The Legacy Society is a personal way for you to provide enduring support for our church. You become a member simply by letting us know that you have made a bequest to Second Presbyterian Church, and if you wish, provide us with a copy of that portion of your will.

Recently, Second Presbyterian took the opportunity to thank the following founding members of the Legacy Society: Carol Clark, Dr. Donald Frey, Harry Grace, Gordon and Jane Hammann, Harriette and Garland McPherson, Linda Safran, and Mari Quint. These congregants remembered the church in their Wills. The Rev. Dr. Tom Blair opened the luncheon with a prayer and spoke about the importance of the Society. Then, members were able to share with friends why they wanted to be part of the Legacy Society. Overall, the luncheon was a terrific opportunity to talk about the future of Second Presbyterian Church.

For more information about The Legacy Society, please contact:

Chair, Stewardship Council
Second Presbyterian Church
4200 St. Paul St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21219
410.467.4210