A Living Legacy

Kirk in the Hills is a community of faith built on

the legacy of dedicated members with the goal to

deepen faith, serve others and foster fellowship

Throughout the Kirk’s history the commitment

by members of their time, talent and treasure has

been the catalyst for the spiritual energy needed to

drive the ministry to new levels of depth and

breadth.

Building on the legacy of Colonel Edwin S.

George, whose donation of his estate established

the congregation, early Kirk members united to

develop the campus and provide for the future.

Today’s congregation continues to benefit from

the generosity of prior generations.

Funding Annual Operations

The annual stewardship campaign raises about

two thirds of the minimum funding necessary to

operate and maintain the church. The campaign

aims to educate and inspire members to support

the work of the Kirk with a giving pledge which

reflects our gratitude to God for his blessings.

This pledge is renewable each year and is intended

to be spent in the year for which it is given. The

remaining one third of the annual operating funds

come from an allocation from the endowment

funds as per the Board of Trustees guidelines and

approved by Session.

Building a Legacy

The time has come to reestablish the legacy we

have received to pass on to those who will follow

us. As times are changing we must continue to

meet the challenges we face as a community of

faith by insuring a Kirk that is endowed and

equipped to continue and grow its ministry.

Endowment Giving

Endowment funds differ from annual giving in

two important aspects. First, each endowed fund

is intended for use in perpetuity. Second, each

fund is established with an intended purpose as

specified by the original donor. The endowment

funds are invested in assets and managed by the

Trustees assisted by professional portfolio

managers; over time, the assets growth in value

and earn interest and dividends made available for

funding the intended activity.

There are presently 19 funds supporting our

ministry in five major categories: facilities, youth

programs, music, outreach, and current

ministries. Donations to existing funds are

welcome at any time. A new fund may be

established with a minimum contribution and

within the guidelines established by the Trustees.

Special Gifts In addition to the gift of our beautiful campus, the

Kirk is filled with special gifts donated by

members through the years. The list is extensive:

the following is a small representation of the

many gifts received:

• Paintings, including Valentin’s Supper at

Emmaus and the six N.C. Wyeth

paintings in the Refectory

• Cedarholm Chapel Organ

• Bells of the Carillon

• Bells of Blessing

• Statuary in the Columbarium

• Grand pianos throughout

• Chamber organ in the Sanctuary

• Draperies in the St. Andrew’s Room

• Cedarholm Communion Service

In addition to artifacts, recent special gifts of cash

have enabled the Kirk to fund ongoing work and

begin new endeavors:

• Start-up of the St. Andrew’s Service

• CD and DVD Ministry, supplies and

equipment

• Chancel choir recording, 2010

• Ministry with Pontiac, ongoing work

Some gifts have been large and some have been

modest, but all have been a blessing to the Kirk.

Create a Legacy

Is this the right time for you to create a legacy? Of

course, only you can answer that question and

only you can determine how a charitable gift fits

into your estate planning. You may consider:

Ways to Benefit the Kirk Now

• Endowment Fund

• Special Gifts

• Appreciated Securities

• Charitable Gift Annuity

• Real Estate

Ways to Benefit the Kirk Later

• Bequest in Will

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Accounts

Kirk in the Hills is not in a position to provide

advice on estate or tax planning, and therefore, we

encourage you to seek professional advice.

Getting Started

The Kirk can provide you with additional

information about each of these methods.

Contact Jayne Dodge at (248) 626-2515, ext. 305

or by e-mail at legacygiving@kirkinthehills.org,

for more information about anything in this

brochure. Certain types of legacy giving strategies

have tax advantages.

1340 West Long Lake Road • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

(248) 626-2515 kirkinthehills.org