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.

"Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead."
--- James 2:17

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
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, 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. Bethlehem is pleased to be included in the book, The Guide to Gifts and Bequests (New York/Florida 2003-05), published by The Institutional Press, Inc. Ask your attorney or estate counselor to read more about Bethlehem.

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).

The Heart of Bay Ridge

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Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Sunday Service: 10:30 am
Fourth & Ovington Avenues - 718-748-9502