To give a memorial or honorarium to the ELCT, click here.
What is the Everliving Church Trust?
The Everliving Church Trust of FUMC of Lubbock (ELCT) has been in place since the 1980s as a funding vehicle to maintain the ministry facilities of the church. The corpus of the endowment has grown to over $2.75 million at the end of 2020. These funds are invested and overseen by the duly appointed Investment Committee of FUMC.
In accordance with the Investment Policy Statement, there is an annual distribution to support major projects of maintenance and upkeep of the church’s facilities. A small amount of oil and gas revenues, when available, are added to that distribution (less 10% which is reinvested into the ELCT corpus). This annual distribution is provided to the FUMC Trustees who prioritize the facility needs for the coming year and designate which projects are funded by ELCT funds.
Why give to the Everliving Church Trust?
To fulfill First Lubbock’s missions, our facilities must serve both as a gathering place for worship and fellowship as well as a home base from which we launch our activities that carry God’s word into the community.
ELCT earnings allow First Lubbock’s annual operating budgets to focus on programs that support worship and mission activities while the ELCT provides funds for unbudgeted facility costs.
The Trust provides for, and insures into the future, the monies that are needed to provide for the upkeep and maintenance of our beautiful facility.
The high cost of maintaining our beautiful building would be much more difficult without the ELCT.
Contributions to the ELCT create an ongoing legacy of love for the benefit of future generations.
Because you gave, the ELCT was able to help pay for over $600,000 worth of repairs and upgrades during the past five years, including:
Completion of sanctuary and chapel painting and plaster project
Make multiple repairs to and replacements of heating, cooling and hot water system units
Replace lights in the sanctuary and choir loft
Replace the ice machine in the CLC
Purchase a storage unit for First Youth A/V equipment
Upgrade sound system in all worship areas, and add live video streaming options in the CLC
Upgrade the security system cameras, sensors, and alarm, and install new security system DVR
Renovate the narthex and library restrooms, including ADA compliance
Paint walls in Children’s 2nd-floor area
Replace the protective floor covering (tarps) for the Gym floor when used for large event seating/dining
Carpet for 1st floor including Children’s area
Install blinds in the Children’s areas
Refurbish doors in the Education Building and sanctuary
Reseal cracks around the sanctuary
Resurface the parking lot
Trim trees on church property
And more!
How does my gift to the ELCT differ from giving to the annual budget?
The ELCT fund is a permanent endowment fund. When funds are available and distributed, they support facility projects above and beyond normal budgeted items.
How can I give?
Cash – An easy and convenient way to support the ELCT.
Wills/bequests – Good stewardship requires us to think of the future. Think about the part that you want to play in First Lubbock’s future. Giving to your church through your will is a good way to continue your support of your church beyond your lifetime.
Stocks, Mutual Funds and Bonds – Stocks, mutual funds and bonds make excellent gifts to your church and are easy to transfer. Appreciated securities may be deductible from your income taxes at their current fair market value, and in most cases, the appreciation is not taxed to you at all.
Life insurance and Annuity Survivor Benefits – Life insurance is a way to make a larger gift to your church than you might otherwise be able to afford. If the needs of other beneficiaries will be met in other ways, why not make First Lubbock the beneficiary of one of your life insurance policies?
Retirement Accounts – If your current and anticipated future needs are met through your retirement or other assets, consider donating some or all of the distributions from a retirement account to the ELCT. This option could allow you to send such funds to the ELCT without you incurring a tax liability and possibly generating a tax deduction for you. Retirement account options include:
Email ELCT@fumc.com and request a personal contact.