PLANNED GIVING
Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant to us, who now remember him in thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The hope for every generation is to leave this world better for those who follow. Now, as our parish has passed its 70th year, the vitality of the church today stands upon the dedication of those who have left legacies for the long-term benefit of our parish. With our help, the same will be true in the years to come.
On behalf of the Vestry, the Rector, and the Finance and Stewardship Committees, we are proud to introduce a new means of recognizing and encouraging generosity and forethought among our parishioners. The Red Rose Circle at St. Alban’s has been established to honor the faithful stewards who have made financial provisions for the future of our beloved parish. The red rose is the symbol traditionally associated with our patron saint, Alban the Martyr, who declared his belief in Christ as he gave his life to protect another. Becoming a member of The Red Rose Circle exemplifies the faithfulness and selflessness of Alban.
Membership in The Red Rose Circle is open to anyone who has remembered St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in their estate plans or contributes to the Endowment at any point. There is no minimum amount—planned gifts of any size are important and deeply appreciated. You become a Circle member simply by naming St. Alban’s in your will or other legacy giving vehicle and notifying us of your intention, or by making an Endowment gift. Your name will then be included in the list of honored Circle members, excepting those who prefer to remain anonymous. Unless otherwise directed, all bequests will be added to the St. Alban’s Endowment, a fund that has been established to provide for both the short-term and long-term needs of the parish. A strong endowment is the best means of ensuring a strong future for our church.
Once you have made arrangements to include St. Alban’s in your will, please complete the Donor Intent form and return to the parish office, or fill out the secure online form so that we may acknowledge your generosity and include you in our annual Red Rose Circle acknowledgments and periodic special events.
All who submit the Planned Giving Intent form (paper or online) by December 31, 2026 will be considered Founding Members of The Red Rose Circle. Those who submit the form in 2027 and beyond will be known as Members. And the saints whose bequests have already been received are considered Legacy Members of The Red Rose Circle. We would love to have as many Founding Members as possible, so don’t delay in making the necessary arrangements!
We are grateful to everyone who has already shown their devotion to St. Alban’s via a planned gift, and we look forward to welcoming new members of The Red Rose Circle in the weeks ahead. To discuss planned giving and the Church, please be in touch with Erin Garrett, Finance Director, or The Rev. Carmen Germino, Rector. Together, we can ensure that Christ remains the cornerstone of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church for many years to come.
Ways to Give
There are three primary ways to make a planned gift to St. Alban’s:
BEQUESTS
The easiest way to make a lasting difference is to remember St. Alban’s in your will. If you have an existing will, we encourage you to work with your lawyer to prepare a simple, inexpensive codicil. You may bequeath a specific amount or percentage of your estate. The bequest can specify a gift of cash, securities, or real estate.
RETIREMENT PLAN ASSETS
Often considered an attractive option for making a planned gift, retirement plan assets are among the most tax burdened assets in an estate. To make a charitable gift of retirement assets, simply complete a new beneficiary designation form naming St. Alban’s as a percentage beneficiary.
LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES
You may use one or more whole life insurance policies to make a future gift to St. Alban’s. To do so, name St. Alban’s as a percentage beneficiary of a new or existing policy, or simply transfer ownership. As with retirement plan assets, using a life insurance policy to make a charitable gift can be as quick and easy as completing a new beneficiary designation form.
Frequently Asked Questions
about the St. Alban’s Endowment and Planned Giving
What is an endowment?
An endowment is a permanent fund in which the principal is invested and preserved, while a percentage of the investment earnings is distributed each year to support the church’s mission and ministries.
Who oversees the St. Alban’s Endowment Fund?
St. Alban’s Endowment Fund will be overseen by the newly formed Endowment Committee, consisting of the Rector, Finance Chair and Finance Director (each serving as non-voting members) and three Vestry-appointed members of St. Alban’s, each serving three-year terms.
What is the size of the Endowment and where is the Endowment invested?
The St. Alban’s Endowment Fund currently has approximately $26,000 invested in a Vanguard money market account. As the Endowment Committee becomes established, the funds will be transferred to a professionally managed investment fund that aligns with our Episcopal identity and values, following an investment policy designed for long-term growth and preservation. The vestry hopes to grow the Endowment significantly over the coming years in order for St. Alban’s to have a more secure and stable financial base to fund our mission and ministries.
Why should I consider endowment or planned giving?
These gifts help ensure the long-term financial stability of the church and extend the impact of St. Alban’s mission and ministries beyond annual giving. Giving to the Endowment is a gift that keeps on giving as the fund balance generates annual earnings.
Do I need to revise my entire will to include St. Alban’s?
Usually not. In many cases, your attorney can prepare a codicil or amendment to your existing estate documents.
Can I make a gift through my retirement account?
Yes. Naming St. Alban’s as a beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), or other retirement account can be a simple and tax-efficient way to support the church.
Can I let my heirs handle giving to the Church after I’m gone?
Making provisions for St. Alban’s in your estate plans now streamlines the process significantly and relieves stress for your heirs because they can feel confident in your wishes.
Together, we can ensure that St. Alban’s continues its mission
of gathering to worship, scattering to serve, and loving like Jesus for generations to come.