Giving

Leaving a Legacy

Ever since its founding First Congregational Church has served the people of Coventry and the surrounding towns of Tolland County as a leading faith community. Generations have received their Christian education here. Our congregation’s leadership and its commitment to a faith mission have enriched our community.

It is a proud record and legacy that prior generations have passed on to us. As an active and caring congregation in the United Church of Christ we carry on God’s work every day. We pray that First Church will continue to be an expression of God’s gift of love for generations to come.

One way to ensure that the future of First Church is as bright as its past is to do what we can to strengthen our finances. Annual pledges and fundraising activities help to cover our ongoing operating expenses but sometimes the church experiences unforeseen expenses. Increasing our church’s endowment can help protect us from those unforeseen expenses.

What Can You Do?

As members and friends of First Church we have benefited from gifts and bequests by faithful congregants who came before us. If we are in the position to do so we should do the same for those who will follow us.

Estate planning is important for every family. Once your family’s needs have been addressed, please consider naming First Congregational Church of Coventry as a beneficiary in your will.

A major advantage of Congregational Church polity, the tradition of governance in our denomination, is that our congregation is autonomous. Gifts and bequests to First Church can be made with complete confidence that decisions about their use will be made here at our church. The assets of First Church are entirely under the control of its members and may only be used in fulfillment of the church’s mission.

Gifts and bequests may be designated for specific uses by the donor and in that case will only be used for the purposes designated bequest. They may also be designated for general and unrestricted uses and purposes leaving the decision to the congregation as to the use of the bequest.

Leaving Your Legacy

While you should consult your own financial planner or attorney about the best form for a bequest, here are a few suggestions:

Specific Dollar Amount:

“I give, devise, and bequeath to the First Congregational Church of Coventry, Inc. of Coventry, Connecticut, the sum of _____ dollars ($____) for its general, unrestricted uses and purposes.”

Specific Percentage:

“I give, devise and bequeath to the First Congregational Church of Coventry, Inc. of Coventry, Connecticut, an amount equal to _____ percent (___%) of the value of my gross or net estate at my death for its general, unrestricted uses and purposes.”

Residual Bequest:

“I give, devise and bequeath to the First Congregational Church of Coventry, Inc. of Coventry, Connecticut, all of the residue of my estate, both real and personal, for its general, unrestricted uses and purposes.”

Contingent Bequest:

“If the above named beneficiaries should predecease me, then I give, devise and bequeath to the First Congregational Church of Coventry, Inc. of Coventry, Connecticut, all of  my property and estate, both real and personal, for its general, unrestricted uses and purposes.”

Questions?

The Board of Finance encourages gifts and bequests to support the ongoing ministry and mission of First Church. Board members cannot give legal or financial advice but will be glad to answer any other questions or find the answers for you.