Gifts of Finances

As we grow toward maturity in Christ, we not only give of our time and talents more, we also offer gifts of our financial resources to God. The Bible tells us that God has blessed us in order that we might be a blessing to others. When our use of financial resources arises from a spiritual discipline rather than a financial discipline, gifts to the church take on a whole new meaning. We no longer give out of duty or obligation, but rather we give out of grateful hearts because we realize that we have received so much from God. We encourage you to give not because the church needs you to give but that you need to give so that God can open the doors of heaven and bless you abundantly.

Ways to Give to the Lord’s Work

These are the primary options you have to contribute to the Lord’s work through LakeRidge United Methodist Church:

• Operating Fund
  
  This fund is the life blood of the ministries and outreach of our church. It pays for Sunday School materials, children and youth activities, music supplies, special programs, staff salaries, utilities, etc. About 20% of our operating budget goes for apportionments to the United Methodist Church to carry on its ministry beyond the local church. This fund also makes the monthly payments on our new Education Building.
  
  
• Transforming the World
  
  We envision: An intimate place for smaller weddings and funerals, a traditional worship service including hymns, the Apostle's Creed and the doxology every Sunday, Sunday School rooms to provide for all elementary children without the need to cross the street, additional space for new adult classes and to be able to eliminate our debt.
  
  
• Life Changing Encounters
  
  This fund goes exclusively towards the growth of our facilities. As funds are available we will complete a large multi-purpose room, kitchen, classrooms and offices in our new Education Building. We also hope to construct a chapel.
  
  
• Mission Fund
  
  This fund is administered by our Mission Ministry Team and goes 100% to support local, national, and mission outreach in the name of Jesus Christ. In the past we supported: Habitat for Humanity, Backyard Mission, Meals on Wheels, Kendon Wheeler (Missionary in Guatemala), Meg and Wilbur Marselius (Missionaries in Haiti), and many other worthy ministries.
  
  
• Good Samaritan Fund
  
  This fund is used to provide food vouchers and emergency assistance for persons who are experiencing a difficult time financially. Both church members and people in the community have received special assistance from this fund. All applicants are screened to verify their need. A team of church members administer this fund and conduct the interviews with those requesting assistance.
  
  
• The Legacy Fund
  
  This fund is our permanent endowment fund. Proceeds are distributed each year to support mission work. At least 10% of the proceeds go to mission work outside of the USA. This fund also provides scholarships for LakeRidge UMC members attending seminary.
  
  

Please indicate on your check or envelope to which of these funds you wish to have your contribution designated. All undesignated gifts are placed where needed most each month.

Prayerfully consider how your gifts to the church would best reflect your gratitude, your faith, and the faithfulness of God.