Each year the Ministerial Assistance Board relies on the generosity of UCC members to support the Christmas Fund Offering for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund.  

These vital gifts:

• supplement low pensions,
• supplement health benefits,
• provide other direct assistance to retired UCC clergy and lay employees,
• and provides Christmas gift checks to low-income retirees,

A number of donors are ensuring that their financial support continues in perpetuity by making a gift to the Christmas Fund through a bequest in their will.

This is how it works:

The bequest is placed in the Christmas Fund of The United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance and only the earning of the principal is used to support the Christmas Fund/Veterans of the Cross mission.

Generally our policy on spending the earnings income from the Fund is 5%.  If, for example, your annual gift is $100, a $2,000 bequest would generate $100 annually for the Christmas Fund, continuing your annual gift.

A bequest of:       

• $5,000 perpetuates an annual gift of $250
• $10,000 perpetuates an annual gift of $500
• $20,000 perpetuates an annual gift of $1,000

This is a great way to make a lasting gift to the fund for Ministerial Assistance while still retaining your assets for current use.

Language for your will should read:

“I give and bequeath to the Christmas Fund of The United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, Inc., incorporated in 1885 under the laws of the State of Connecticut and having an office at 475 Riverside Drive, 10th Floor, New York, New York 10115, the sum of ____________________________ ($____________) for its uses and purposes.”

For more information, contact us at 1.800.642.6543, ext. 2738.