Perpetual
Fund
Wesley United Methodist Church
Giving
to the Perpetual Fund
Here are some of the programs the Perpetual Fund has started or supported:
Parents Day Out
Parents' Day Out began in 1995 and reaches within and without our church family. Hear from one parent and former teacher:
"When my daughter was two, I looked in the telephone book for any churches that might have a Mother's Day Out program. I found that there were several. I visited all of them and decided that it would be good for my daughter to play with children her own age. At the same time, I could not afford the cost since I was a stay-at-home mom. I put an application in to be a substitute teacher. As it turned out, I became a full time teacher of two year olds at Wesley's Parents' Day Out.
I originally was interested in PDO only for my daughter, but it turned out to be as much benefit for me. I had not wanted to leave my child and have the day to myself. I enjoyed working at the program, made new friends and had absolutely adorable children in my room. Working with children is one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. I enjoyed having a positive impact on them and remain close friends with all of the mothers and still see 'my children' occasionally. I told many people about the Parents' Day Out program and they would visit and start using the program. Some of the mothers have done what I did -- work here along with their children."
Missions
Our support of missions reaches worldwide. We have supported missionaries from Poland to Russia to Shawnee, Oklahoma. Wesley Volunteers in Mission projects include repairs to a center for the deaf in San Antonio, construction of houses in Rio Bravo, Mexico, and improvements at Gore Boys Ranch. Quarterly donations are given to the Pott County Free Health Clinic, Youth and Family Resource Center/Hope House, Shawnee Interfaith Hospitality Network, and Salvation Army. The funds for missions have greatly expanded our Christian outreach.
Children and Youth
New in the year 2000, the youth of WUMC began to receive money for the development of various programs and for subsidy to the youth minister. Some of the programs that have been funded are scholarships for several youth for the mission trip to San Antonio, "Wesley on Wednesdays" park ministry, and to a designated account that will fund all kinds of different youth activities. In 2003, this area was expanded to include the children's department, to help with activities not funded in the general budget. Then in 2005, the Children's account was made separate from the Youth account, to facilitate responsibility, operation, and accounting of funds. The Children's account is now under the control of the Education Dept. The Youth Account is under the control of the Youth Council.
The Perpetual Fund continues to provide funding that will allow WUMC to follow its mission statement.
Trustees
Perpetual Fund money flows to a Trustee account and an Emergency account. With these funds, the Trustees have helped the congregation complete a metal roof project for the church, while helping with vans, parking lots paving, computers, air conditioners, kitchen equipment, office equipment, and a host of other capital improvements.
While we are proud of our accomplishments, the Trustees are committed to helping the church move forward. Our congregation at Wesley United Methodist Church has great capacity to give rather than keep -- to reach out a helping hand and demonstrate the spirit of giving. As a result, a lasting impression has been made on the lives of our congregation. The effects of the generosity of others will not just be felt today or tomorrow, but for generations to come. Whether large or small, every gift to Wesley United Methodist Church is appreciated.
Annual Distributions
are set by the Investment Committee of the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation, currently 5% annually. Distributions are made quarterly to the following areas:
Trustees - 50%
Emergency - 10%
New Programs - 10%
Missions - 12.5%
Children - 7.5%
Youth - 17.5%
Your Gift
...can mean the Perpetual Fund can do even more! Each amount, large or small, furthers the work of Wesley United Methodist Church. Plan now to leave a portion of your estate to our church by naming the Perpetual Fund in your will or trust. Consider the gift of appreciated real estate or common stock to the Perpetual Fund. It will mean a lot to the church, and it can relieve you of capital gains tax problems and give you a large tax deduction. Ask about the possibility of a gift annuity that will pay you a lifetime income as well as becoming a gift to the church at your passing.
The Perpetual Fund is most definitely OUR fund. A gift made to it is a gift that will keep on giving forever, doing the work of Jesus Christ in our community and around the world. Please consider how you can be a part. Call one of the people on the Permanent Endowment Funds Committee for more details.