Glad Tithings

Each of us is a philanthropist. For most of us philanthropy occurs involuntarily through the collection in income, capital gains, gift and estate taxes, which are allocated to our communities, states and nation for the common good.

However, our present tax structure allows each of us to become voluntary philanthropists, transferring some of the funds earmarked for taxes to charities of our choice. These funds are our philanthropic capital.

Working with your financial, legal and tax advisors, you can develop a financial and estate planning strategy to maximize your assets and control and direct your philanthropic capital.

The most common forms of financial support include:

Contributions of Cash. Cash gifts to charitable organizations like CSM are fully deductible for income tax purposes, but the deduction is generally limited to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Contributions of Appreciated Securities or Property. Gifts of securities, real estate and other business or investment property owned for one year or longer may be deductible based upon the asset's fair market value, but the deduction is limited for income tax purposes to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Charitable Remainder Trust. When a charitable remainder trust is established, a contribution of cash, securities or real property is made to an irrevocable trust. The trustee pays to noncharitable beneficiaries an income for life or for a term not to exceed 20 years. When the trust terminates, trust assets are distributed to one or more charitable organizations like CSM.

These are but a few of the tools available to help you direct your philanthropic program. Please call Ken Smith at Christian Stewardship Ministries if you would like further information.

From an LMS Student

Ken,

This [daily accountability report] is very encouraging to see that I did experience some success. I am battling depression from all the overwhelming realizations that I am having to face. Reading your book is a great source of wisdom. I even believe that over time, with God's grace and strength, I can accomplish these things. As I read the procrastination "bit" last Wednesday, things started to fall into place (I only wish!!!!) in my mind. I am pushing a HUGE, GIGANTIC mountain of procrastination that has been growing for years, and the harder I push, the more of IT comes tumbling down off the top onto my back. Augh!!!

Lord help me!!!

An LMS student in the Midwest

From a Glad Tithings Reader

Hello in the Name of the Lord!

I receive the publication Glad Tithings and enjoy it very much. I am writing this note to advise you of my change of mailing address...I would appreciate it if you would make this change so I don't miss a single issue of your newsletter.

Thank you and may God bless you!

In Christ's Name,

Melissa Barker Tennessee Ridge, Tennessee

John Reyle: Giving Brings Peace

A more generous heart leads to peace about finances, real estate appraiser John Reyle has learned. "God is concerned about all aspects of my life...my stewardship of time, money and relationships," Reyle said he discovered when he took CSM's Life Management Study earlier this year. He found sessions on journaling-writing thoughts following prayer or Bible study-especially helpful.

For the past three years, Reyle has served on CSM's bowling tournament committee. He's also currently on the Advisory Council. Reyle first became involved with the ministry through a series of networking breakfasts CSM sponsored for Christian businesspeople.

Reyle committed his life to Jesus during a business luncheon held by Needle's Eye Ministry in Richmond, Virginia, soon after he graduated from college. Today he teaches Sunday School at Christ the Redeemer Episcopal Church in Centreville, Virginia, participates in small group ministry and serves on the board of Truro Preschool and Kindergarten.

For the past five years, Reyle has worked with his father's real estate appraisal company. He and his wife Linda have four children and live in Fairfax, Virginia.

© 2000 by Christian Stewardship Ministries, 10523 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. Telephone (703) 591-5000, fax (703) 273-1795, e-mail ken@csmin.org