Summer 2024
To the Congregation of Grace United Methodist Church,
The sun is shining, the temperatures are way up and summer is in full swing! I hope this summer gives you an opportunity to rest and relax. I know that’s something God wants for all of us. A trip to the beach or time spent in a special place renews and reinvigorates us. One part of scripture describes not only resting on the weekly Sabbath, but also spending special seasons feasting and celebrating. If the land gets a whole year to rest, how much more does God want that for you to fulfill all the wishes, hopes and dreams the Lord has for you? Maybe this summer is your time to rest, to feast or to celebrate. Consider what God wants you to do to recover, recharge your batteries, and prepare for the next place God wants to take you!
As always, if you’d like to give a gift in support of Grace United Methodist Church, you can use the enclosed envelopes and bring it to church. You can also go online at gumc.org/giving or mail a check to the address below. We also want to invite and encourage those of you who may be traveling or spending time elsewhere to “pre-pay” this summer. If you have the financial ability to do so, why not give your gift to the church before you leave, so that you can spend that time resting and relaxing knowing that the church has its financial needs taken care of this summer. Every bit helps in these summer months! On the back side of this letter are some of the events taking place this summer. Why not hang it on your fridge? God bless!
In Christ,
Pastor Brian Neville
And From the Finance Committee…
73 or Older? Want to save on taxes?
If you are 73 or older and have a 401(k), 403(b) or traditional IRA retirement plan, you can take your required minimum distribution (RMD), which is required by law to be distributed, and give any amount of it you wish to your church or other charity tax-free! If the money is not given directly to a church or charity you will be taxed on it as additional income. Some people can give Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) as early as 70½, so check with your broker.
We hope you’ll consider giving this special tax-free gift to Grace United Methodist Church. You must have the distribution go directly to the church. It must never be deposited in your personal account, or it will be taxable. You can take advantage of this tax-free giving any time during 2024, but we hope you will help the church by doing this sometime during the summer. A broker can assist you with your distribution, but if you have any questions, you can contact Alma Mader, finance chair, or call the church office.