The St. Mark's Endowment has the power to secure and strengthen our ministry for generations to come while reflecting our shared commitment to faithful stewardship. By establishing a permanent fund where gifts are thoughtfully invested, the principal remains intact, and a portion of the earnings is distributed as needed to support the church’s mission and ministries.
This approach embodies wise, long-term stewardship, caring for the resources entrusted to us in a way that multiplies their impact over time. It creates a steady, reliable source of funding to sustain worship, outreach, discipleship and care for those in need, regardless of fluctuations in future annual giving.
In this way, an endowment not only preserves the legacy of today’s generosity but also models a life of stewardship, ensuring that St. Mark’s continues to grow, serve and faithfully steward its mission for generations to come.
St. Mark's UMC Foundation Funds
General Endowment Fund
The General Endowment Fund provides flexible support for the life and ministry of St. Mark’s. Gifts are invested to generate lasting income, with earnings used to meet emerging needs and opportunities. Because these funds are unrestricted, they allow church leadership to respond faithfully and strategically.
Property Fund
The Property Fund supports the care, maintenance and improvement of St. Mark’s facilities. Endowment earnings help preserve and enhance the spaces where worship, fellowship and ministry take place. From essential repairs to long-term improvements, this fund ensures the campus remains safe, welcoming and well-equipped.
Mission Fund
The Mission Fund supports St. Mark’s outreach locally and beyond. Earnings provide resources for mission partnerships, outreach initiatives and hands-on service, extending the church’s impact and expressing Christ’s love in action.
Children and Youth Fund
The Children and Youth Fund supports the spiritual growth of the next generation. It provides resources for programs, events and experiences that nurture faith and help young people grow, connect and thrive in their relationship with Christ.
Scholarship Fund
The Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance for individuals pursuing faith-based education and service opportunities, including seminary, missions and church camps. It helps develop future leaders by removing financial barriers to answering God’s call.
Worship and Music Fund
The Worship and Music Fund supports the worship life of St. Mark’s by providing resources for music, programs and special services. It enhances meaningful worship and strengthens the spiritual life of the congregation.
Dan & Vivian Farrer Fund
The Dan & Vivian Farrer Fund provides ongoing support for mission work through an annual gift to the Mission Team. It reflects a legacy of generosity and helps sustain and expand St. Mark’s outreach.
Eska Garrison Fund
The Eska Garrison Fund supports transportation needs for ministry activities, mission trips and events, as determined by the Trustees. It helps ensure safe, reliable access to opportunities for connection and service.
Endowment Fund Administration
The St. Mark’s Endowment Fund operates under the oversight of the church Finance Committee, which consists of 16 members. This includes nine at-large members, along with seven ex officio members representing the Trustees, Lay Leader, Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC), Church Council Chair, Stewardship and Clergy.
All gifts received by the Endowment Fund are invested through The United Methodist Foundation for the Tennessee and Western Kentucky Conference. The United Methodist Foundation has been granted complete investment control over the Endowment Fund’s assets. Reports summarizing Endowment Fund activity are issued quarterly and may be reviewed in the Business Administrator’s office.
Ways to give
Every gift, regardless of size, plays a role in sustaining and strengthening St. Mark’s long-term ministry, creating a lasting legacy of faith and generosity. One simple, meaningful way to give is through memorials or honorariums, commemorating special persons, milestones or moments in the life of the church. Gifts to the Endowment Fund are permanent. The principal is preserved and invested, generating income that continuously supports ministry. Gifts to the Endowment Fund extend your impact and create a legacy for future generations.
There are many ways to contribute to the Endowment Fund. Gifts may include cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance, retirement assets such as IRAs, real estate and other current or planned giving opportunities. Donors may also choose options such as bequests through a will, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts or beneficiary designations. Each method provides a unique way to express generosity while reflecting thoughtful stewardship of the resources entrusted to you.
To learn more about planned giving or how to include St. Mark's in your estate plans, please contact the church office. Together, we can build a legacy of faith, hope and love that will continue to shine for generations to come.