STEWARDSHIP
As each one has received a gift,
use it to serve one another as good
stewards of God’s varied grace
1 Peter 4:10
Stewardship is based on these convictions:
- Mature disciples make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action, to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.
- Beginning in conversion, change of mind and heart, this commitment is expressed not in a single action, nor even in a number of actions over a period of time, but in an entire way of life. It means committing one’s very self to the Lord.
- Stewardship is an expression of discipleship, with the power to change how we understand and live out our lives. Disciples who practice stewardship recognize God as the origin of life, the giver of freedom, the source of all we have and are and will be.
USCCB pastoral on stewardship
A Christian steward is one who
- Receives God’s gifts gratefully
- Cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner
- Shares them in justice and love with others and
- Returns them with increase to the Lord
Therefore we commit of our time, talent and treasure to our church
STEWARDSHIP OF ASSETS
Many people spend a lifetime accumulating assets; it is important to give adequate thought to disposing of these assets at one’s death.
In creating one’s estate plans, an individual needs to consider the people, the property and the planners.
People may include one’s spouse, children, extended family, significant friends and charities. Who needs to be provided for and who would you enjoy gifting? What charities will miss your regular donation when you die?
Property includes cash, savings accounts, stocks and bonds, insurance policies,
jewelry, artwork, real estate and personal effects.
Planners may include your lawyer, financial planner, trust officer, investment manager or real estate agent.
By giving thought to your charitable giving, you can help yourself as well as others. Working with your financial and legal advisors, you can take advantage of laws that help people avoid excessive estate taxes, increase current income, benefit causes you care about, and still set aside desired amounts for your loved ones.
You may wish to consider a Bequest Gift of life insurance, Charitable Remainder Trust, Charitable Lead Trust
- A Bequest is a gift to a beneficiary made through a will or a living trust. The donor does not surrender ownership of the gifted property during their lifetime. A gift of life insurance provides a number of unique opportunities for charitable giving and the resulting income tax deductions to the donor. One can give a policy (fully or partially paid up) that is no longer needed, create a new policy with the charity as the owner and beneficiary and pay the premiums as part of the gift. At the donor’s death, the charity receives the insurance proceeds.
- A Charitable Remainder Trust is a vehicle which pays the donor or the named
individual an income for life and distributes the principal to specific charities at death. - A Charitable Lead Trust pays a charity the income from the trust for a specified
number of years. Then the principal reverts back to the donor or is given to a
specific charity.
For more information on estate planning, contact Bob Squires at 319-338-0939
in the Office of Evangelization and Stewardship, Iowa City Catholic Community.
