Community Empowerment Endowment
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That strengthening is illustrated by the three-tiered focus of the GEM Endowment. 1) The Mission Fund is designed to provide: support for neighborhood initia- tives in reducing the effects of poverty, local partnerships in job training and business development, and worldwide projects through teaming up with American Baptist International Ministries. 2) The Youth Fund is committed to nurturing tomorrow’s leaders through mentoring and enrichment programs as well as providing financial assistance to students pursuing a four-year college degree. 3) The Worship Fund can undergird major worship center capital improvements and property acquisition. In reflecting on how the endowment was established, Dr. Brennan states:
CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH
G IVING E MPOWERS M INISTRY
act:
AN RCH
GEM ENDOWMENT
American Baptist In partnership with
“The Foundation understood how to navigate communications for a diverse body of believers so that all age groups with various backgrounds came to understand the benefits of having an endowment. The existence of our church, which was founded in 1908, is the result of the commitment of that great ‘cloud of witnesses’ from the past. The GEM Endowment provides a way for us now to fulfill the similar obligation we have for those who will come after us. In that way they will not be as financially hindered to further advance God’s kingdom.”
The Foundation’s collaboration with the church continues as the congregation’s ABF donor advisor, Magda Armagos, celebrates, saying:
“I am honored to be working with Pastor Brennan and the endow- ment committee and look forward to many more years when that collaboration—through such events as seminars on planned giving—can ensure the growth of the endowment. As that happens, it will stimulate the financial future of the ministry and provide a means for members and friends of the church to create long-lasting legacies that will reflect their faith journeys.”
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