Birthday Endowment Fund

THE BIRTHDAY ENDOWMENT FUND

Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas, was looking for an idea to raise money to support missions and ministries not covered in the annual budget, and something all ages could embrace. They wanted it to be a tool for teaching stewardship, as well as fun, and something that would give satisfaction to the giver in the knowledge that the funds would make a difference in the life of our church. Hence Birthday Endowment Fund was initiated.

The idea is that in your birthday month you give a dollar for each year of your age as a celebration of your life and “giving back” for the blessing of life.

The program was introduced in January 2001, with a Minute for Mission given by a 95 year-old member (also a trustee on their Foundation Board) and an eight year old. They talked about the gift of life and celebrating this gift by giving a gift. They told about setting up the special fund that would be used for special ministries and missions. Kyle was excited about giving nine dollars next year and Dub was anticipating going to the bank for a loan to make his gift! Balloons signaled the location of cup cakes and Birthday Fund envelopes in the parlor.

Each month, on the first Sunday, posters with balloons are placed at the exit doors leading from the sanctuary. Each poster has a pocket that holds the Birthday Envelopes for those having birthdays during that month. An announcement is put in the bulletin, and the pastor makes a verbal announcement during the service inviting birthday celebrants to pick up their envelope. It’s fun to let children hand out the envelopes. When they are finished, they get to take the balloons home.

Sunday School teachers can use the envelopes as a tool for teaching stewardship. The children would remind their parents to give also.

Once the fund starts producing income, you can have fun deciding what new mission project it will support.

On the inside flap of the envelope, the giver has a chance to inform the church that they have named the church in their will or that they need information about doing so. It also is a tool for getting up-dated addresses and e-mails from members.

Several churches in our denomination are starting this program and are not only raising dollars for mission, but are having lots of fun!

“The Year of the Lord’s Favor” (Luke 4:19)
The PHPC Foundation Birthday Offering Give a birthday gift that keeps on giving! To make a lasting difference in the life of your church, use this envelope on your own birthday to the PHPC endowment funds. These gifts will generate income in perpetuity for the support of future ministries and missions. (Suggested minimum gift: one dollar for each year since your birth.)

Please provide any information you would like us to have for our ongoing ministry:

Name:______________________________________________________________________________________

Birthdate:________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________________________

Address:___________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________________ State: _______ Zip Code:____________________

E-mail address:______________________________________________________________________________

_ I would like to be contacted with information about Wills, Bequests and Planned Giving
_ I would like to attend a seminar on Wills, Bequests and Planned Giving
_ I have included the church in my will
_ Other request: __________________________________________________________________

All information will be kept confidential. Thank you for your faithful support.
Please use the survey form below to inform us of any plans or needs you would like us to be aware of. Place form in envelope and mail back.

Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church
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