Planned Giving and the Endowment
Memorial gifts
When a loved one dies, many choose to make a memorial gift to St. Stephen’s Church in memory of that person. All memorial gifts to the church are placed in an investment fund. Thus, all memorial gifts, large or small, produce income in perpetuity for St. Stephen’s. Just as we know that those who have died still support us in our earthly journey as “a great cloud of witnesses,” so the gifts given in their memory and through their legacy continue to support our church’s ministries, generation after generation. You may do this by mailing a check to the parish office with a note indicating who it is meant to honor, or you may use our online giving portal.
Honoraria or other special intentions
If you wish to make a gift to honor a loved one, or in thanksgiving for a particular blessing or special occasion, such as a birth, a Baptism, Confirmation, wedding, graduation, or other occasion, you may do this by mailing a check to the parish office with a note indicating who it is meant to honor, or you may use our online giving portal.
Planned gifts
Planned gifts through bequests are normally placed in the Endowment Fund, unless otherwise specified by the donor. Income from the Endowment Fund supports the many ministries of St. Stephen’s Church, using a formula designed to provide a maximum stream of income for those ministries, while preserving or growing the corpus of the fund. Gifts can be made in life, by bequest or on a deferred basis. Careful planned giving can offer significant benefits to the donor, as well as to the church.
For more information on making a planned gift, please visit the Legacy Society page.
The Garden of the Holy Spirit
The Garden of the Holy Spirit, the memorial garden at St. Stephen’s Church, is intended as a place of tranquility, peace and natural beauty. Cremated remains of members of the parish and their families may be interred in the garden. Ashes are buried directly into the ground. Urns are not permitted. The garden was expanded as part of the 2015 capital campaign project. Arrangements for the interment of ashes in the Garden of the Holy Spirit are made through consultation with the rector.
Memorial Flowers or Ambry Candle (Vigil Candle)
Gifts of altar flowers or the ambry candle (also known as the vigil candle) can be given in memory of someone who has died or in thanksgiving for an occasion or celebration. Altar flower and ambry candle (vigil candle) gifts are acknowledged in the service bulletin on the weekend of their dedication.