Gifts received from estates are placed in the Permanent Fund of First Christian Church. Income from that fund has resourced a number of different ministries locally and around the globe, largely funding our outreach efforts. Since its creation in 1997, nearly $1 million has been distributed from this Fund partnering the congregation with groups as diverse as Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, and the Buddy House, a development center for persons with Down Syndrome. The funds have paid for pots and pans and bathhouses at regional camps, supported the Bethany Program aimed at keeping young clergy in ministry and endowed a fund for Week of Compassion to support global outreach during emergencies and crisis. The funds have helped youth go on mission trips, given college musicians an opportunity to learn about leading music in worship, and stretched the purchasing power of food stamp recipients buying food at the local farmer’s market. Funds built a house for a Habitat family, furnished a room at a Hospice Center, and provided diapers and food for infants in need. Funds have helped persons who were homeless and youth in the public housing projects. The Permanent Fund has also provided resources for maintaining our buildings, including new roofs, renovations, air conditions and computers.

Estate gifts to the Permanent Fund from members of our congregation allow their witness for Christ and the church to continue reaching out long after their life is over.

The Legacy Builders are a group of people in the church who have pledged to remember the Permanent Fund in their estate planning.