P r e s b y t e r i a n
F o u n d a t i o n ’s
F A L L / W I N T E R
2 0 1 2
Choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Pensacola, Florida
Humble Excellence and a Lifetime of Quiet Generosity One woman’s gift opens up possibilities to dream big dreams Iris Suber was, to those who knew her well and to those who were only somewhat acquainted with her, a woman who exuded a sense of humble excellence in all aspects of her life. Never one to be self-aggrandizing, her bequest of a substantial gift to her church, through the Presbyterian Foundation, came as quite a surprise. “When we first announced the gift to our session they just kind of sat there,” shared Trinity Presbyterian Church’s pastor, Rev. Dr. Hugh Hamilton. “The next meeting they came back and said, ‘We were just so overwhelmed, we didn’t even have any questions,” Hamilton remembered.
©2012 A publication of the Presbyterian Foundation
INSIDE : Ministry Partnership Program Generosity for Every Generation Planning the Use of a Generous Gift Building Relationships to Expand Reach
continued on page 3
www.PresbyterianFoundation.org
Got 10 Minutes? It only takes a few minutes to unlock valuable insight and resources for making your church more generous and financially healthy.
Left: Iris Stuber (standing in middle) valued spending time with her friends. Right: Children at Trinity Presbyterian listen intently during Sunday service.
The Financial Health Assessment Tool is a free and simple online
From Our President
tool designed to give a comprehensive view of your church’s
2012 marks my third year of leadership at the Presbyterian Foundation. As I visit Christian missions and ministries at home and around the world, I never cease to be amazed at what God is doing to advance the good news of Christ’s grace and justice. One partner ministry that I recently visited was the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan. Though Christians make up only a small minority in that country, the Presbyterian Church’s influence is felt throughout the entire region.
your church’s finances, the Assessment Tool analyzes your
stewardship. After completing a short questionnaire regarding responses, along with published statistical data, and produces
continued from cover story
Humble Excellence and a Lifetime of Quiet Generosity “Iris wanted us to dream big, to really give people a chance
an instant report of your church’s giving health. The report also
that she began to confide in White regarding these financial
to step out and try things that they didn’t think they could
matters. Iris did things properly, correctly, and tastefully —
recommends next steps to take and offers links to related
try,” continued Hamilton. He has challenged the church’s
including planning her estate.
resources to help you lead your congregation to financial health.
ministry teams with the question, “What have you been wanting and waiting to do, dreaming to do someday? Now is the time — let’s put this money to good work.” “All of a sudden, we have this blessing to say, ‘We can do that. How freeing and exciting that is,’” shared Hamilton.
A few years ago, the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT) took two years to reshape their church’s mission, consulting nearly every leader and pastor in the denomination about the plan. This effort has resulted in stunningly exciting and impactful directions. Knowing that they had limited resources and personnel, the PCT chose intentionally not to try and do everything a Christian ministry might want to do. Instead, they
financial status, ‘I sure can’t take credit for all of this,’” remembered White. Iris, an only child, had inherited much of her wealth from her parents’ estate. “When I think of how she handled that wealth — she never
Iris Suber was a private person. It was not that she did not
flaunted it, she quietly shared it with others, and she used it
reach out to people, but that she was never boastful or did
well,” said White.
anything to call attention to herself. A schoolteacher for 30 years, Iris was typically found behind the scenes rather than in the limelight.
What Iris came up with was a fund that would help Trinity to become a ‘model congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA)’. It is a tall order for Trinity Presbyterian, but
It was only after she passed away in 2009, at the age of 72,
one that has the congregation and its leadership excited
that the church members learned that Iris left a large gift to
about the possibilities.
her church, establishing the Iris Suber Memorial Fund with $4 million.
continued on page 4
“She would say, as she began to talk with me about her
“At this point we are just counting our blessings and thanking God for Iris’ legacy as we wonder how we might be good
“It is in keeping with Iris’ wishes that her example would
and faithful stewards and glorify God with the way we serve
be one that others would hear of and ‘go and do likewise’,”
people with this great gift,” said Trinity’s Pastor Hamilton.
explained Ruth White, longtime friend and fellow member The Presbyterian
would not want the attention gathered by such a gift, but
stewardship practices and even provides next steps toward
rather would hope that it would be an example for others to
fundraising improvement.
consider how they, too, might give.
congregations, councils, agencies and other
To get your FREE giving assessment from our Financial Health
As Iris progressed in her struggle with cancer it became
entities to ensure that they have resources
Assessment Tool, visit assessment.PresbyterianFoundation.org
Foundation was established in 1799 to raise, steward, and distribute funds for mission. We work with
for mission today, tomorrow, and two
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of Trinity Presbyterian. White is quick to add that her friend Clear and honest, the report reveals potential gaps in your
hundred years from now.
today.
clear that she would need to begin to prepare for how her
Help your members make a legacy gift through their will or other estate plans. Visit PresbyterianFoundation.org to find resources to help you develop or enhance your wills emphasis program. Or call us at 800-858-6127 to request a Legacy of a Lifetime leadership guide to get you started.
estate would be dealt with after her passing. It was only then
3 www.PresbyterianFoundation.org
continuation of
From Our President trained their focus particularly on evangelism, education, and health. The result has included programs through which, for instance, PCT leaders are asking each one of their church members to make a written covenant with their church to lead just one person (whom the member names on a pledge card) to a discipleship relationship with Jesus Christ. They have developed nationwide after school and other educational opportunities for low income children that have been so effective that the government of Taiwan has asked to partner with them in this endeavor. They have built and developed some of that nation’s largest and most advanced hospital complexes that not only heal people’s physical and mental maladies, but also remain close to the church in integrating spiritual care for each hospital’s patients.
Building Relationships to Expand Reach
Endowment Funds Stewarding more than 7,000 endowment funds for the benefit of congregations, Mid Councils and various ministries, the
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary (JCSTS), located in Atlanta, Georgia, continues
Foundation ensures that the use of the funds continue as
to define itself as a national and international institution committed to preparing
the donor had intended. Trusted for more than 200 years by
pioneering leaders of diverse backgrounds to serve a rapidly changing Church and
thousands of Presbyterians, congregations and ministries,
engage the important issues of our day. The school’s leaders say it has been blessed
endowment funds are created to celebrate an event, honor a
with a growing list of new ministry partners to help them in reaching their mission
loved one, or support a cause that is dear to the donor’s heart.
and vision.
Permanent Endowment Funds
“As a denomination, we understand that we cannot be an island. We need to share
The permanent endowment funds managed by the
in ministry and resources; this is the core of our theology,” said Paul Roberts, Sr.,
Foundation were up 1.9% in the month of September bringing the third quarter return to +4.2%. Policy benchmark was up 2% and 5% respectively for the time periods. The fund is up 9.8% year-to-date vs. the index up 8.5%.
President and Dean of the seminary. “At Johnson C. Smith, we are keenly aware of the need to collaborate and felt that the Foundation hasn’t lost sight of the importance of developing relationships. We feel we have a valuable partner [in the Foundation] to help us increase support for our programs.”
The Asset Allocation of the Permanent Endowment Funds at September 30, 2012:
While the relationship between the seminary and the Foundation has endured for decades, it continues to grow and evolve. Earlier this year, Johnson C. Smith became one of the first ministries to test the Foundation’s new online giving service. At the time, the seminary was redesigning its website — presenting the perfect opportunity
Real Assets 14%
US Equity 23%
to offer online giving for their supporters. Seminary leaders report that they are very pleased with the response to the donate feature on their website.
Private Equity 4%
The Foundation is privileged to be a part of gathering, managing and disbursing funds to help these and thousands of other similarly effective ministries. In this issue of Cornerstone, you will see specific ways that, during these past three years, our staff has worked tirelessly and seen significant progress toward changes that are aligning our work more closely with the most leading-edge needs of our Church, its members, and their ministries. As pastors, Mid Council leaders, and other ministry partners work in these challenging times to find funds for mission, the Presbyterian Foundation is committed to offer help to each one of them.
New initiative hopes to gain support through online donations The success of the test period has led the seminary to add a second online giving fund,
Fixed Income 22%
this time for the school’s HIV/AIDS initiative.
Non-US Equity 18%
Diversifying Hedge Funds 10% Market Sensitive Hedge Funds 9%
In 2010, a report to the General Assembly found that most churches were ill equipped to minister to those affected by HIV/AIDS. “The faculty and students at JCSTS felt an aggressive approach was needed to follow up the report of 2010,” said Roberts. Working with the Office of Public Witness, the seminary has developed a conference that will launch a certification program for clergy, students, and laypeople seeking to implement ministries for individuals and families affected by HIV.
Anita Clemons, Vice President, Investment Relations Officer, is available to answer your questions. She can be reached at
The inaugural conference, “Creating AIDS Competent Churches and Church
800-858-6127, ext. 5912 or ajc@fdn.pcusa.org.
Leaders: Remembrance, Repentance, and Responsibility.” is scheduled for November 28 - December 1. To learn more about the conference, visit smithseminary.org.
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The following ministries are now accepting online donations through the
Central Presbyterian Church Louisville, Kentucky First Presbyterian Church Tallahassee, Florida First Presbyterian Church Warren, Michigan For Such a Time as This A ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Presbyterian Outreach to Patients A ministry of the Presbytery of New Covenant, Houston, TX Presbytery of Ohio Valley Bloomington, Indiana St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Tucker, Georgia Westminister Presbyterian Church Bay City, Michigan Westminister Presbyterian Church Portland, Oregon White Plains Presbyterian Church White Plains, New York Wycliffe Bible Translators Orlando, Florida 5 www.PresbyterianFoundation.org
Ministry Partnership Program The Ministry Partnership Program is a simple online system to provide resources to grow support for your mission. You also receive the services of a trusted partner to professionally administer and safeguard the funds you raise.
• Accept secure online donations • Members can set up recurring gifts — a great convenience • Easy way to monitor donations and fund balance • No set up, annual or monthly fees To learn more about the Ministry Partnership Program, contact Client Services at 800-858-6127 or clientservices@fdn.pcusa.org
Mark Your Calendar Now! March 11-13, 2013 St. Louis, Missouri WORKSHOP TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:
Brought to you by
• Congregational giving analysis for your church • Giving through technology (both online giving and social media generosity) • Stewardship in small membership churches • How presbytery teams can train congregations • Endowment 101 — beginning and growing one • Role of the pastor in stewardship • Capital campaigns that work For more information contact Charles Austin at 888-711-1318 or cea@fdn.pcusa.org www.StewardshipKaleidoscope.org
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Planning the Use of a Generous Gift What does a church do when presented with a gift of staggeringly generous proportions? It is something that Trinity Presbyterian has had to work through. (see cover story) Iris Suber, long-time member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, passed away after battling cancer and left the church with a $4 million endowment fund. “Iris was very clear that she did not want these monies to interfere with the regular giving of the congregation,” explained Trinity’s pastor, Hugh Hamilton.
“She hoped that her inspiration would empower people to continue to give and enhance their own regular giving and for those who might have the ability, to make similar type gifts,” shared Hamilton. During the first several months of the year Trinity was preparing for how, once they announced the gift to the congregation, the monies might be used. The first step was to create a legacy committee. This committee is tasked with both the promotion of financial gifts and bequests to the church, and with the ‘remembering’ of the history of such gifts in the past. The legacy committee will assist the stewardship committee in regards to issues such as estate planning, as well as advise the session on how to best use the gifts from such bequests. “The committee has come up with guidelines and an application form — so now we are inviting people to start
considering how we can use the gift,” explained Hamilton. His concern, and the concern of the donor as well as the legacy committee, was to create a process that would not be overly cumbersome and that would allow the money to be freed up to be used. For their guidance they are looking to a passage from scripture, 2 Corinthians 9:11-12: You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. “We consider it our task to help people equip others to do great works,” explained Hamilton. The gift, in addition to being financial, is also in modeling this type of generosity. “What a great statement for a very humble lady that many people did not know had this kind of gift to offer,” reflected Hamilton. She also left her household and all of its contents to be sold for the benefit of the youth program. As part of the renovation of the youth room the church had murals painted on the walls. In one corner is a flower, an iris, a tribute to the woman whose gift made it possible. “It is a silent tribute to a wonderful lady who loved our church, our youth, and our community — who loved God and wanted to pull all those things together,” said Hamilton. Request your copy of Building Your Church’s Endowment by contacting us at 800-858-6127, ext 8919 or serving@fdn.pcusa.org.
Ministry Relations Officers Olanda Carr
Eric Chavis
Ann Earnest
Robert Hay
Stephen Keizer
Lisa Longo
Minner Serovy
John Turner
Charlotte, NC 888-711-1318 olc@fdn.pcusa.org
Portage, MI 866-317-0751 smk@fdn.pcusa.org
Everett, WA 888-211-7030 enc@fdn.pcusa.org
Indianapolis, IN 866-710-5094 ltl@fdn.pcusa.org
Houston, TX 866-746-6730 ace@fdn.pcusa.org
Philadelphia, PA 855-514-3077 mls@fdn.pcusa.org
Atlanta, GA 855-514-3152 rsh@fdn.pcusa.org
Anaheim, CA 866-860-3383 jat@fdn.pcusa.org
7 www.PresbyterianFoundation.org
200 East Twelfth Street Jeffersonville, IN 47130
FDN 01-12-02
Financial/Generosity Ministry Initiatives
What does your church do to help people with their finances, inspire generosity, and increase church giving?
75%
Give sermons on finances/generosity.
48%
Offer financial classes and seminars.
43%
Share a Bible verse on generosity when taking the offering.
30%
Have volunteer financial counselors available.
33%
Conduct an annual stewardship drive.
21%
Provide pamphlets on finances and generosity.
23%
Pastors and leaders participate in stewardship training courses.
17%
Use videos promoting generosity during worship services.
Offer estate planning materials and/or seminars.
10%
Distribute 30 or 40 day generosity devotionals to families.
17%
Source: State of the Plate, Brian Kluth, Maximum Generosity