Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every incumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... Hebrews 12:1

Dear Friends of the Church of the Brethren,

It is a privilege for me to invite you to join with many other brothers and sisters in Christ throughout our denomination by participating in one of our most significant recognition programs–the Fourth Century Enrollment.

The Church of the Brethren General Board has across the years experienced a significant amount of support through bequests and other deferred gifts. Through comprehensive estate planning, with provisions for the General Board, members of the church have strengthened the ministries of stewardship, evangelism, peace, youth work, mission and service.

Begun in 1988, Fourth Century Enrollment provides us with a way to acknowledge those individuals whose estate plans include the General Board. Through this recognition we are hopeful others will be challenged to participate in supporting the important work of our denominational program. By considering estate-related commitments the life-long efforts of our members will undergird the church well into our fourth century.

Whether through your will, a trust, an annuity, life insurance, or some other form of deferred gift, your participation in the Fourth Century Enrollment will make a difference in the life of someone in our global community.

I urge you to accept this invitation to join the Fourth Century Enrollment and help us assure the work of the Church of the Brethren General Board as we prepare for our next century together.

Continuing the work of Jesus,

Ken Neher
Director of Funding and Donor Development

Through the years the members and friends of the Church of the Brethren have been very generous in their support of its many ministries. Because of such support the Church of the Brethren has an international reputation for being a church of Christian compassion, with many far reaching and creative programs on behalf of the needy of the world.

In the year 2008 the Church of the Brethren will begin its fourth century of bringing the gospel of the Prince of Peace into the world. The Fourth Century Enrollment has been established to enroll bequests to benefit the worldwide ministries of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

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An Investment In the Future

The Christian who plans for the future cares deeply for others and proclaims that all we have comes from God. Bequests through will, trusts, gift annuities, life insurance and various life income gift agreements strengthen the ministries of the General Board. We believe that the next three centuries of the Church of the Brethren will be fruitful ones. We must put to use the resources Gad has entrusted to us. The world beyond 2008 needs our live for peace, simplicity and devotion to God.

The Purpose

The purpose of the Fourth Century Enrollment is threefold:

• To give persons a chance to make a personal decision about their future support of the Church of the Brethren.
• To underwrite the ministries of the General Board into the Fourth Century of the church's history.
• To share this information (as permission is granted) so that others who may not have considered gift planning will seriously consider sharing their possessions.

Membership

Membership in the Fourth Century Enrollment is offered to those who:

• Include the Church of the Brethren General Board in a will or in a codicil to a will as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary.
• Enter into an agreement with the Church of the Brethren General Board to purchase a charitable gift annuity, establish some form of charitable remainder trust, or other form of life income contract.
• Include the Church of the Brethren General Board as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary in a life insurance policy or who make the General Board the owner of a life insurance policy.

Persons who participate in the Fourth Century Enrollment will have the spiritual satisfaction of their decision. In addition participants will receive a certificate of enrollment in recognition of their support of the General Board. They will also receive information on current programs and new outreach efforts. Participants will receive updates on tax laws and changing gift/investment options with the General Board.

At the Annual Conference Planned Giving Breakfast, those who participate in the Fourth Century Enrollment will hear about the leading edge of our ministries in the world.

Finally, those who grant permission will receive recognition by having their names placed on a list of Fourth Century enrolles.

How to Enroll

Use the form at the bottom to register your intention or your previous decision. Your participation in the effort would be appreciated. Be assured that the information you provide will be treated confidentially.

About the General Board Funding Office

As a stewardship service of the Church of the Brethren General Board Funding staff is dedicated to two primary goals:

1. To be of service to Jesus Christ and the Church of the Brethren by assisting members and friends of the church in becoming better stewards of all they possess, especially their accumulated assets.
2. To give counsel and assistance to persons in the area of wills and estate planning and to help them relate their financial and gift planning to the work of the Church of the Brethren General Board.

The staff is trained to provide assistance with individual donors and their advisors in estate planning, wills, and with gift plans including:

• Bequests
• Life Income Plans
• Life Estate Agreements
• Irrevocable Charitable Trusts
• Life Insurance

A Bequest

The proper wording for including the work of our denomination in a will is "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Church of the Brethren General Board, its successors or assigns, a corporation of the State of Illinois, with its principle office in Elgin, Kane County, Illinois, ________% of my estate (or the residue, or a particular property) for its general purposes."

The Church of the Brethren General Board Funding office welcomes any opportunity to be of assistance with individual donors and their advisors. Please write, call or email to inquire about any of our services or gift plans.