As we consider a few of our Church’s treasures -- the beautiful stained glass windows that are a visual link to our history, the pipe organ that adds to the wonderful music ministry at Trinity; our beautiful and historic sanctuary; the musical instruments that are costly to maintain -- it is apparent that regular offerings will not always cover building maintenance, repairs, and exceptional opportunities for new ministries.
The Foundation Commission exists to secure Trinity’s long-term mission – to keep our church a place of faithful worship and faithful outreach. To this end, several endowment funds have been created, each of which supports the church’s mission in an important way. Gifts of any amount can be directed to these funds.
The Trinity Faith in Action Endowment Fund is the primary endowment fund of Trinity. Income from this fund is used to further the ministries and missions of Trinity, with distributions made annually based on grant applications. The criteria for a grant award is that the project or organization must further the missions and ministries of Trinity Lutheran Church, and is not being fully funded by Trinity’s general operating budget. Grant applications are taken in January each year, with awards made in February. Past grants have furthered a variety of ministries, and the possibilities for furthering God’s vision is limited only by our imagination!
Income from the Trinity Seminary Scholarship Endowment Fund is used to assist Lutheran seminary students, with first priority to members of Trinity Lutheran Church. The Trinity Camp Counselor Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to assist college students who spend their summer working as a church camp counselor. Income generated by the Hazel Johnson Mission Endowment Fund is available to be used to further global and American missions, and the Edwin Hannenman Missionary Endowment Fund supports ELCA missionaries working in a foreign country. The Rasmussen Organ Maintenance Endowment Fund assists with maintenance costs for our beautiful pipe organ.
Named Endowment Funds
Some individuals or families may wish to establish a special endowment fund with a new designated purpose. Presently a gift of $10,000 or more may establish a “named endowment fund.” Anyone interested in establishing such a fund should consult with the Foundation before finalizing their gift plan. Through this consultation, the donor, the Church and the Foundation can all be assured that the proposed purpose is in alignment with the mission of the Church. This consultation will also assure that the proposed level of funding is sufficient to achieve the purpose of the donation, with the result that the donor’s intent will be honored over time.
Council-Directed Funds
In addition to the endowment funds managed by the Foundation, gifts may be directed to any of the quasi-endowment funds managed by the Trinity Council.
Recognizing the perpetual need for renovation and renewal for a church of Trinity’s age, size and beauty, the Trinity Cornerstone Fund was established. The Cornerstone Fund is a building fund, and distributions from this fund are directed by the Council and/or Board of Trustees to be used for capital improvements, major repairs, new equipment and other facility needs.
Enhancing the spiritual growth of our congregation is the work of Trinity’s Board of Deacons. The Trinity Deacons Fund is maintained to help with their work in enhancing our worship services, as well as coordinating evangelical outreach and local mission support. Another important part of the Deacon’s activities involves coordinating Trinity’s extensive music programs.
Promoting and providing Bible-based Christian instruction is the work of Trinity’s Board of Parish Education. This board works with our Youth Education Director in furthering our spiritual growth through educational programs such as Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation, as well as Adult Education. The Trinity Parish Education Fund has been established to support these important ministries.
A copy of the distribution policy for each of these funds is available in the Church office.