Every drop,
every stream,
every gift.
Rivers are never created by a single source. They are formed by countless contributions—small streams, springs, droplets of rain, and tributaries all flowing together to bring life. In the same way, the life of this church has always flowed from many faithful gifts.
Those who came before us built this church and sustained its ministry. Now we have the opportunity to stand in that same gracious stream, making our contributions today so that grace may continue to flow to future generations.
Just as the Fox River has long been a source of life for our community, this church has been a source of living water for generations. Today, we step into that same current.
The stained-glass windows in our sanctuary trace the River of Life flowing from creation into worship, compassion, service, and mission in the world. Generations before us have kept that river flowing so others might encounter Christ. Now it is our turn.
Financial Giving
How a Capital Campaign Works
Capital campaigns work a little differently than our regular giving, and not everyone has experienced one before. Here’s what we want every household to understand.
This is a whole-church effort. We’re hoping for 200+ households to participate—not equal gifts, but shared commitment. Some may be able to give $25,000 over two years. Some may be able to give $25. Both gifts, and everything in between and beyond, are exactly what’s needed. This is how Jesus works: taking the various gifts we bring and making something abundant out of them.
A capital gift is meant to stretch, not shrink. For many households, it may come from a different place than regular Sunday giving:
- A gift from savings
- A one-time contribution
- A two-year pledge
- Appreciated stock or an IRA distribution
- Participating in a fundraiser
- Giving something up to make room
Some folks have also been asking about tax-wise ways to participate in the campaign, such as donating stocks or securities, or making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA if you are age 70½ or older.
You can learn more about those options here:
Generosity takes many forms. Some households give from their regular income in addition to their regular commitment, others through investments or retirement accounts. However the gift is made, each act of generosity helps the river of God’s grace continue to flow through this church for generations to come.
For many households, certain types of gifts can also be tax-efficient, allowing you to give more while reducing taxes owed. If you are considering one of the options below, we encourage you to speak with your financial advisor, tax professional, or broker.
If you are age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA.
Benefits may include:
• Satisfying all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution
• Excluding the gift from taxable income
• Supporting the church in a tax-efficient way
Your IRA custodian must send and make the gift payable to the church.
Please reference: 1874 Renovation Project Fund
Church legal name: United Methodist Church of Geneva
Mailing address: 211 Hamilton St. Geneva, IL 60134
Church EIN: 36-6008606
If you own stock, mutual funds, or other securities that have increased in value, you may be able to donate the shares directly. Perhaps you’re rebalancing your investment portfolios, donating appreciated shares as part of that process can be a meaningful way to give.
Benefits may include:
• Avoiding capital gains tax
• Receiving a charitable deduction for the full market value
• Supporting the campaign in a powerful way
Securities may be transferred to the Midwest Methodist Foundation, which will liquidate the shares and deposit the proceeds into the campaign fund.
Your broker will typically request the following information:
For Further Credit to: Midwest Methodist Foundation
DTC #: 0164
Account #: 6744-3387
Memo: “GIFT”
Midwest Methodist Foundation EIN: 36-2317623
After initiating the transfer, please complete the Foundation’s Gift Instructions form so the gift can be properly directed to our church.
Full instructions are available at: midwestmethodist.org/donate-securities
You may also contact the Foundation directly:
Rev. Chris Walters, CEO or Demetra Kidd, Client Relations Associate
312.803.4801
accounts@midwestmethodist.org
If you give through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), you may recommend a grant to the church through your fund provider.
Common providers include:
• Fidelity Charitable
• Schwab Charitable
• Vanguard Charitable
• Community Foundations
Simply recommend a grant to the church designated for the 1874 Renovation Project Fund.
Another simple option is naming the church as a partial beneficiary of a retirement account.
Because retirement accounts are heavily taxed when inherited, they can be one of the most tax-efficient assets to give to charity.
Even a small percentage designation can become a meaningful future gift that blesses generations to come.
We are grateful for every act of generosity and are happy to help you explore these options.
Church contact:
Jim Alderfer or Pastor Rob
Midwest Methodist Foundation:
Rev. Chris Walters, CEO or Demetra Kidd, Client Relations Associate
312.803.4801
accounts@midwestmethodist.org
Each household’s path will look different. What matters is participating in faith. Life changes, and we understand that. Your giving may increase or decrease over two years depending on your circumstances, and that’s okay. What matters most is your intention to participate. Sharing your best estimate helps us plan faithfully and move forward with confidence.
Not everyone will choose a multi-year commitment, but there are many meaningful ways to be part of this shared work. A one-time gift offers an immediate way to participate, and tribute gifts create space to honor or remember someone whose life has shaped your own and our community.
Join a Project Team
To make this project happen, we’ve organized into working teams.
We need many hands to bring this vision to life.
Clean-up and Move In Committee
Responsible for identifying items to keep or discard and managing the relocation, storage, and return of contents so construction can proceed smoothly.
On Going Operations Committee
Tasked with planning how the church will continue “normal” operations when Fellowship Hall and the Garden Level are not available during construction. Also tasked with determining the final configuration of the Garden Level.
Financing, Capital Campaign and Grants Committee
Tasked with developing the process for managing the in take of funds from the capital campaign and how project bills will be paid; Review and apply for grants that may be available.
New Coffee Bar & Kitchenette Design Committee
Tasked with developing the layout and types of cabinets for the new coffee bar area and the Garden Level Serving Area
Final Finishes Committee
Tasked with the selection of colors and final finishes, furnishings and products within construction budget allocations.
Historical Artifacts Committee
Tasked with the disposition, repurposing, or rehoming of items of potential historical significance to the church such as: Pews, Posts and beams, Wood Flooring, Limestone, Sound System and Hanging light fixtures
Project and Construction Oversight
Tasked with overall project coordination between the project manager and the church. Manages the change request process. Reviews and approves the construction specifications.
Audio Visual Equipment/Stage Committee
Tasked with the evaluation and selection of audio visual equipment for Fellowship Hall and the Garden Level Multi-purpose space
Communication and Documentation Committee
Tasked with developing and providing status updates to the congregation and documenting the before, during and after of the renovation via photos and videos
Storage and Organization Committee: Lead – Carolyn Burnham
Tasked with working with stakeholders to develop a storage and organization plan for Fellowship Hall closets, Worship Arts closet, and other Garden Level storage areas.
Pray for Us
You’re invited to join this journey through prayer. As we step into this flow of faith and generosity, we lift up the workers, the community, and the generations who will be shaped in this renewed space. We trust that God is at work in all of it and in us.
Gracious God,
You have been at work here long before us,
and you will continue long after us.
We lift up those whose hands will bring this vision to life—
the workers on-site,
those who craft the materials,
and the families who depend on their labor.
May this work sustain them as it blesses us.
Shape us in this journey, God.
As we give, as we sacrifice,
as we step forward in faith,
grow in us generous hearts
that reflect your abundant love.
Remind us that this is your church, not ours,
and that all we offer is part of your greater work.
Lead us forward together,
in faith, hope, and generosity.
Amen.
