St. James Episcopal Church

How did the Trust get Started?

In 1992, St James Church became the recipient of a significant bequest from the estate of Ralph C. and Jennie Muller. The Mullers were ardent supporters of St. James and taught Sunday School while here. Although they moved away from Wichita in the 1940s, they were kind enough to remember the church in their estate planning. As there were no restrictions on the Muller bequest, the Vestry decided that a trust fund would be an appropriate vehicle for the administration of the Muller gift and could also be the means for others who may wish to contribute to the long-term support of the Church.

Can People of All Incomes Participate in the Trust?

Absolutely! Whether your gift is large or small, it represents a part of your life’s labor and can continue to effect others for years to come. The beneficiaries are a demonstration of your wishes and values.

What are the Types of Gifts I Might Consider?

Members may wish to contribute funds for a “Living Memorial” in celebration of a birthday, baptism, anniversary or special event of a current member. Other types of gifts are: securities, cash, real estate, personal property, life insurance, annuities, will bequests, trust instruments and memorial bequests.

How is the Fund Administered?

The Trust is administered by a seven- member Board of Trustees consisting of the Rector and six elected church members. Contributions to the Trust are invested and the earnings are accumulated until a proposal for funding is received. Distributions are made when funding is approved by the Trust Board. While the Board of Trustees sets general guidelines covering investments policies, professional counsel assists in the management of all Trust funds. The Trust funds are invested with the Episcopal Church Foundation. The benefit of this arrangement is two-fold: the administrative fees are minimal and the administrative fees are used to future the work of the Episcopal Church at large.

For what Purposes and Needs will Funds from the Trust be Used?

The earnings of the Trust can be used for needs arising above and beyond the general church budget, such as:

OUTREACH
This benefits mission outreach and evangelism programs such as theological education and Episcopal Social Services.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
This is a contribution to the long-term needs and projects of St. James Church’s facilities

NEW PROGRAM DEVELOPEMENT
This area entails support to help defray the start-up costs associated with the initial development of new programs for adults and youth at St. James Church such as Christian Education, Pastoral Care, Evangelism and others.

How do I Find out More About Getting Started as a Participant in the Trust?

All inquiries are welcomed through the church office. At your request, a member of the Trust Board would be pleased to personally provide additional information. It is possible to make bequests which result in both a tax deduction and income to the donor, while at the same time providing a gift to the church.

How Much Money was Allocated to Help in our Community and our Church in Recent Years, and What Were the Specific Projects?

Distribution of funds from the Trust during any one calendar year will be limited to five percent of the market value of the Trust investment portfolio. The market value used in determining funds available for distribution is based on a three-year rolling average, with measures taken at the end of each of the preceding 12 quarters. The market value for this purpose will be taken net of the fees for investment management.

In recent years, the Trust allocated funds for the following projects: St. James – cleaning of the Nave; After School Project; The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS); St. James – Special Events; St James – Youth Ministry; Tuition for our St. James Seminarian; St. James - Youth Scholarships; Episcopal Social Services; and St. James – improvements to the Nave sound system.