Ideas for Calumet when a congregation enters a Holy Closure process, a merger, or a consolidation:
In recent years, all congregations of the New England Synod have experienced a whole variety of challenges and opportunities.
Some congregations, noting a decline in resources or with a desire to celebrate their ministry and recognize they have fulfilled their mission, have chosen to shift or end their ministries.
Some congregations are merging or consolidating, and some are choosing a process called, "Holy Closure." When Holy Closure takes place, the congregation has an opportunity to explore partner ministries/charities which might benefit from the blessing of a gift. Calumet has received these kinds of gifts and has been notified that more are coming.
When a congregation's ministry comes to a close, there are assets -- provided by God's people over many years for the sake of God's work in this region.
Calumet invites congregations and ministries of the New England Synod to consider how this holy place on the north shore of Ossipee Lake might be a good fit for a legacy gift for ministry.
Examples of what "Holy Closure" legacy gifts from congregations have done at Calumet in recent years:
1. Provides support to Calumet's Annual Fund.
2. Supports construction projects (like Calumet's newest ministry resource, the Oasis).
3. Funds a new named endowment fund with an amount of at least $25,000 which ensures vital financial support to Calumet every year -- forever.
4. Supplies freedom and flexibility to Calumet with help for a new ministry dream.
What does, say, a $100,000 fund do for Calumet?
It increases Calumet's endowment totals which means Calumet is better equipped for ministry long into the future ...
It is added to a the pooled fund which follows Calumet's investment policies (presently, Calumet partners with the ELCA Foundation which has stellar investment vehicles for all ELCA ministries) ...
It provides $4,000 in its first year (a 4% provision) to the Annual Fund. Over time, as the principal grows, so too will the annual income for Calumet's ministry. The annual legacy gift will provide to Calumet 4% of the fund based on a 20 rolling quarter average value.
Learn more about what Calumet might be able to do with a congrgation's "Holy Closure" legacy gift by contacting Knute or Ginger.
