Endowment
Zion owes much to the legacy of Baltes Pickel (1687-1765). Pickel was present at Zion’s first service, a successful farmer, landowner, and a lay leader of the congregation in its formative years. In addition to lending Zion his time and talents throughout his life, Pickel ensured Zion’s future by remembering the church upon his death. In the hard times during and after the War, Zion was helped, perhaps sustained, financially by the income from a legacy of one thousand pounds left by Pickel. Throughout the entire nineteenth century, the Pickel legacy was a substantial part of the church's income.
Many long-time members will
fondly remember Helen and Marion Waldron.
These sisters left a generous portion of their estate to the church in
1996, which helped to fund the renovation of the Christian Education Building
and bolster the newly re-established Endowment Fund along with
contributions of other founding members.
Today, this Fund is managed
by Thrivent Financial Trust. Half of the
Endowment’s growth each year is used to fund the ministry and mission work of
the church. Recently, Zion’s new
website, the internship of Janis Mays-Holder, and special training for Stephens
Ministers were made possible by proceeds from the Endowment Fund.
The Endowment is
highlighted on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and All Saints Day each year when
members are encouraged to consider a contribution as an ongoing tribute to
loved ones.
The Endowment Committee can
help your family draft a Family Mission Statement to create goals for your
legacy. Please contact Geof Close with
any questions.
Zion would not be what it is today without countless hours volunteered, talents shared, and the generosity of Baltes Pickel, the Waldron sisters, and the many faithful members in our midst today. Thank you for your commitment to doing Christ's work through Zion's ministries and missions.