GIVE TO FIRST PRES
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You Make A Difference
Thank you for supporting the mission and ministries of First Pres!
Give Online to First Pres
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Pledge for 2023-24 Fiscal Year
Thank you for your prayerful pledge for the year. This helps us to manage our financial resources to make the greatest impact.
June 7, 2023
About this time of year, you expect to get a letter from First Pres asking for your financial pledge for the upcoming year. You expect us to celebrate mission work and other impacts the church has made over the past year. You expect us to talk about how we are going to serve Jesus boldly in the future.
Right now, the secular world is also talking about going boldly into the future. Though these headlines are about AI. So, this year we thought we’d ask ChatGPT how it would respond to a request for a financial pledge to our church:
I am writing to express my heartfelt commitment to support the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest through a financial pledge for the upcoming year. It is with great joy and gratitude that I offer my contribution to the continued growth and vitality of our beloved congregation.
Having been a part of this church community for [number] of years, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that our church has on the lives of its members and the surrounding community. Through its inspiring worship services, compassionate outreach programs, educational initiatives, and strong sense of fellowship, First Presbyterian Church of River Forest serves as a beacon of faith, hope, and love.
Recognizing the financial needs that enable the church to fulfill its mission and ministries, I have carefully considered my own resources and have decided to pledge a contribution of $[amount] for the upcoming year. This pledge represents not only my financial commitment but also my dedication to actively participate in the life of our church, serving wherever my gifts and talents can be of value.
Please consider this pledge as an expression of my deep faith in God, my love for our church family, and my desire to contribute to the collective effort in furthering our mission. I am fully aware of the financial challenges that the church may face, and I am committed to supporting it to the best of my ability. I am also open to exploring additional ways to contribute, such as volunteer work or participating in fundraising activities, should the need arise.
I am grateful for the stewardship of our church leaders and trust that my pledge will be used wisely and responsibly to advance the various ministries and outreach programs of the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest. May our collective efforts continue to transform lives, bring healing and hope to those in need, and spread the message of God’s love.
It is an honor and a privilege to be part of this faith community, and I look forward to the journey we will embark upon together in the coming year.
In faith and gratitude, [ChatGPT]
How will you respond?
Pastor Paul Detterman
Your 2023-24 Financial Pledge
First Pres Annual Report
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 20234
Click the image to download a PDF of the First Pres Annual Report.
Stock & Estate Gifts to First Pres
QUALIFIED CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS
To eliminate or reduce the impact of required minimum distribution (RMD) income, investors may consider making a qualified charitable distribution. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a direct transfer of funds from an IRA custodian, payable to a qualified charity (defined in the QCD provision in the Internal Revenue Code). Amounts distributed as a QCD can be counted toward satisfying your RMD for the year and can also be excluded from your taxable income.
STOCK GIFTS
Are you considering a gift of stock to First Pres? It is one of the easiest methods to make a gift. If the stock has appreciated, the donor not only avoids the capital gains tax on the appreciation, but also receives a charitable deduction for the full fair market value for the stock at the time of contribution.
ESTATE GIFTS
Name First Pres as a beneficiary in your will to provide an estate gift that will provide long-term support for the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest while also effectively managing your estate.
ACCOUNT INFORMATION
Charles Schwab and Co.
DTC# 0164 Code 40
FBO The First Presbyterian Church of River Forest
Account #7096-0927
Trade/Service at Schwab: (800) 435-4000
Asset Transfer (for agents): (877) 328-0376
Please contact our CPA if you have any questions