The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. [Matthew 13:31-32 NIV]
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares a parable about a mustard seed—a seed that produces one of the largest of all shrubs, with branches large enough that birds can perch on them. All this from the smallest of all seeds of the earth. One of the assumptions of this parable is that the one who plants the seed most likely will not be able to appreciate the fruits of their labor. It will be for future generations.
St. Andrew’s has given its community an opportunity to plant seeds that future generations will be able to enjoy. Last year our church established a Permanent Endowment Fund and a committee to oversee its operation. You may not be familiar with it, but it is a way to leave a legacy to the church that will grow and flourish so that this church at the corner of Bryan Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave. will be an active and thriving presence in our community for years to come. It will ensure that this church will continue its ministries and mission to be the light of Christ into the world.
This team, chaired by Boyd Ballard, has committed to the essential mission of helping those in our church community be informed of what avenues are available for financial considerations, options that will benefit the church as well as offer advantages to the donor. These may include wills, trust, annuities, bequests, or insurance policies. Through generous donations from various individuals in the church, the Permanent Endowment Fund has already amassed about $20,000.
The Permanent Endowment Fund Committee wants to know what would be of benefit in helping you be informed of the options that are available for legacy giving. Please take a moment to take the following brief survey by clicking HERE.
I leave you with these words from John Wesley, the founder of Methodism,
It is not an easy thing to give back to God all that we have received… This work will require all our wisdom, perseverance, patience, and faithfulness. Good stewardship requires more than we naturally have within ourselves but no more than we receive from grace. God’s grace is sufficient for us, and we know that all things can be done for the one who believes.”