Gifts & Bequests

Lutherans believe people are saved by the grace of God alone. Our good works and giving are done in thankfulness for all that God has given to us -- not out of fear or as a penance for salvation.  As we say in our service: "...we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us -- our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love."

Weekly or annual donations to the Church are a testament to that thankfulness.   

Thanks to the generosity of our congregation and our community, Bethlehem has been a place of comfort, support, education, and both physical and spiritual nourishment since 1905.  That commitment has enabled us to be a living sign of God's caring hand.
Through your generous gift or memorial you can be a part of that continuing tradition for many years to come. 

By including Bethlehem Lutheran Church in your estate planning you are creating a legacy of caring.  

If you would like to remember Bethlehem in your will, discuss estate planning, or make a donation, call us at 718-748-9502 or e-mail us at mail@bethlehembayridge.org and we will be pleased to explain how your gift can be a legacy of caring.  

Even the smallest gifts, grants and memorials are much needed and greatly appreciated. 

How can your gift make a difference?

• For Everyone: Sunday Service, Spiritual Guidance, Good Fellowship, Support, Community, Domestic Violence Counseling 
• For Children: Lutheran Elementary School of Bay Ridge, Sunday School, After-School Program, Youth Organization, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts
• For Seniors: The Bay Ridge Center, AARP, Meals-on-Wheels, Social Services, Monday to Saturday Lunch Program, Computer Classes, Arts & Exercise Classes, Theatre, Day Trips
• For Special Needs: Alcoholics Anonymous, Domestic Violence Counseling, Emergency Food Pantry

Carrying out your wishes through a will

A will provides a plan for the distribution of your estate and expresses your wishes to family, friends, heirs, your church and your community.  A will is also a statement about your beliefs and priorities. 

There are many ways you can express your stewardship to Bethlehem through your will, including:

• Specifying a dollar amount
• Specifying a percent of an estate's residual value
• Specifying a specific asset, such as a car, house or real estate
• Leaving a bequest for a favorite Bethlehem ministry

Creating your legacy of caring

To learn how to make your gift, you or your attorney can call us at 718-748-9502.  

Gifts can also be left to Bethlehem without notifying us in advance. Simply note your gift and our name and address in your will: "Bethlehem Lutheran Church, a New York nonprofit organization, located at Fourth and Ovington Avenues, Brooklyn NY 11209." Bethlehem Lutheran Church was incorporated in the State of New York in 1905 and is a 501(c)3 organization (ID#101796). 

Gift brochure (above)
available in church.