As you give at year's end in 2020, let's give in reflection for what God has done in 2020 but also in anticipation for what He will do in 2021 and beyond. We don't want to "give last" like Cain but rather to "give our first and best" like Abel. Their story from Genesis chapter 4 shares how Cain gave a portion of his harvest after the crops had already been produced for the season while Abel, by contrast, gave God his first and his best from the beginning. God looked with favor upon Abel's offering and did not look with favor upon Cain's. Let's be "first and best" givers this December. Let's give God our first and best because He went first for us!

Here are a few practical year-end giving tips as you prepare your gifts at the end of 2020:

1) Make sure all checks are post-marked by December 31 and that they are mailed to the church office at 2324 Coteau Rd, Houma, LA 70364. You are also welcome to hand-deliver a check gift, either in person at church on Sunday through our giving boxes or during office hours during the week Monday through Thursday 8am-4pm. We will be out of the office on December 24 and 31, but don't hesitate to let us know if we can meet you at the church at a certain time that is convenient for you, and we certainly can.

2) Now is a great time to give stocks and other marketable securities. Giving stocks is a great way not only to maximize your charitable giving through an investment you've made but also to do so in a tax-efficient manner as you avoid the capital gains tax on the investment while receiving a full charitable deduction!

Here are the brokerage instructions for making a stock gift, or you can contact our finance office at 985.851.2222 or email us at finance@mylife.church.

3) In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the CARES Act in March of 2020. While this piece of legislation is best known for provisions such as direct payments to Americans, the Payroll Protection Plan, and extended unemployment benefits, it also includes a lifting of the cap on charitable deductions. (This type of opportunity hasn’t occurred since 2006 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which indicates its rarity!)

In a normal year, taxpayers must limit their charitable deductions for cash gifts to 60% of their adjusted gross income. But for 2020 only, individuals making cash gifts can elect to increase this limit to 100% of their adjusted gross income (AGI).

For those planning major gifts, this is an opportunity to eliminate or greatly reduce federal income taxes for 2020. (Note: When gifting marketable securities or other types of stock, donors are still limited to deducting 30% of their adjusted gross income. However, the same donor could also deduct cash gifts up to 70% of his/her adjusted gross income in order to take advantage of the full 100% deduction, if desired.)

We realize these provisions don't apply to everyone at Life Church, but we hope informing you of these great tax benefits will help you make the most of your 2020 giving as we continue to advance God's mission to reach EVERYONE in Jesus' name.

Thank you for your generosity, Life Church!

Gratefully,

Pastor Chad

Giving Securities (Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds)

Making a bigger impact by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stocks, bonds and mutual funds. You may be able to increase your gift in a tax efficient way, especially if it has been held more than a year and appreciated in value (please consult your tax advisor for your personal situation).

In order to give, please give your broker the following details:

Organization Name: The Life Church of Houma

Tax ID/EIN: 720910892

Prior to your stock transfer, please contact Life Church Finance Office at 985.851.2222 or finance@mylife.church and inform us of the Stock Type and Number of Shares.