Some Tax-Smart Reminders for 2026

Our church has been richly blessed this year by your prayers, presence, service, witness, and gifts. Every gift has helped our church live out our mission of creating safe space to grow with God and one another.

Your giving makes ministry possible, from the lights in the sanctuary to the lives touched in our community.

Catch Up Gifts: As the year ends, consider an additional gift to help close the year on a firm footing. Your faithful support allows us to enter the new year ready to serve with confidence and compassion. Every dollar given is a testimony of trust, both in God’s abundance and in the mission we share together.

For everyone: Starting in 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly) in cash gifts to charity, including checks and online giving. This means even if you don’t itemize, your giving can reduce your taxes.

For those age 70½ or older with a traditional IRA: Consider a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Gifts sent directly from your IRA to the church are not taxed as income, and if you are 73 or older, they count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD). Your IRA custodian can send the check directly to the church, or to you made out to the church. If the check is sent to you, please deliver it to the church right away. QCDs also lower your adjusted gross income, which may help with both federal and state taxes. Please allow extra processing time and request your QCD by early December.

For questions about giving options, please contact Shannon Kantorowski in the office. Always consult your tax advisor for personal guidance.

Reminder: To count for the 2026 tax year, gifts must be received or postmarked by December 31. The Church Office will have special holiday hours the week after Christmas and will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on December 30 and 31.