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You have often heard me teach. Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others. (2 Timothy 2:2 CEV)
Table of Contents
Passing on the Story: Building a Legacy of Faith Letter from the Executive Director
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A Lifelong Song of Joy and Giving Donor Spotlight: Christine Galbraith
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A Lifelong Song of Joy and Giving Donor Spotlight: Jean Bushnell
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Legacy Giving IRA Rollovers, Gifts of Stock, Family Endowments, DAFs & much more...
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Your One-Stop Resource Learn more about our brand new website, www.americanbaptistfoundation.org
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Strengthening Your Financial Future Program Custom Planned Giving Solutions for Ministries & Missions
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American Baptist Foundation Board & Staff Recognition
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From the Executive Director
Passing on the Story: Building a Legacy of Faith
The New Testament is full of powerful moments where the message of Jesus is passed from one believer to the next. One of the clearest ex- amples comes from Paul’s letter to Timothy, where he writes:
“You have often heard me teach. Now I want you to tell these same things to followers who can be trusted to tell others.” 2 Timothy 2:2 CEV
Paul knew the importance of passing on the Good News—not just for that moment, but for generations to come. He encouraged Timothy to find trustworthy people who could continue the mission, just as he had received it from Paul. This wasn’t simply mentorship. It was multipli- cation. It was legacy. That same charge still echoes today. As we consider the future of our churches, our ministries, and our personal faith, we must ask: Are we preparing for the message of Jesus to outlast us? Are we planning a legacy that ensures the Gospel continues to reach new hearts, new homes, and new nations?
The mission is as urgent now as it was in Paul’s time. Yet sustaining it requires more than good intentions. It requires faithful planning.
• Are we ensuring that our churches and ministries will be vibrant and strong decades from now? • Are we creating estate plans and wills that reflect our values and continue our witness?
Paul’s words to Timothy weren’t just for him—they’re for us. Through wise and prayerful planning today, we can ensure that the story of Jesus is not only preserved but proclaimed—generation after generation. May we each be found faithful in passing on the Good News stories!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Dr. Chris Roush Chief Executive Officer
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Donor Spotlight: Christine Galbraith
A Lifelong Song of Joy and Giving Music has always been part of my life. I have been singing in choirs since I was nine years old. My first real experience was in our church’s junior choir, which led to the youth and then the senior choir. At school, I joined the chorus, and in high
school, I was thrilled to be part of the swing choir. Even in college, I continued to sing because it was simply a part of who I was.
After graduation, life took a different rhythm. I began my career as a registered nurse and, for a while, singing had to take a back seat. I missed it terribly, but long hours and responsibilities left little time for music. A few years later, someone invited me to return to my passion. I auditioned, a bit nervously, and to my delight was accepted. Since then, I have had the joy of singing with many wonderful people over the years. Music has continued to bring me deep happiness and connection . Today, I am proud to sing with the Skagit Valley Chorale in Mount Vernon, Washington. Our group is filled with others who share the same love of music. As members, we pay tuition and help raise funds to cover the many costs that make our performances possible: music, venue
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Donor Spotlight: Christine Galbraith rentals, our director’s salary, accompanists, and even the lights and heat for rehearsals. None of it could happen without the generosity of donors. Now that I am retired and financially comfortable, I have found a new joy in giving back. My parents were longtime supporters of charitable programs, and after their passing, we were able to give to American Baptist Camp Burton on Vashon Island a $75,000 gift. It was incredibly rewarding to see how much that gift meant to everyone involved. Following their example, I recently gave $1,000 to the Skagit Valley Chorale, and it felt wonderful to know I was helping sustain something that has brought me so much joy. In addition, my husband, Hugh, and I created a Charita- ble Remainder Unitrust (CRUT) as well as an endowment to benefit Camp Burton, Camp Cascade Meadows , and our home church, First Baptist Church of Burlington, Washington . We look forward to continuing to support American Baptist ministries and missions in the years ahead.
Interested in creating your own family endowment to support the ministries you care most about like Chris and Hugh have? Scan this QR code for more information and to be connected with our Donor Advisor team.
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Donor Spotlight: Jean Bushnell
A Quiet Life, a Lasting Legacy A short story by Dawn Jones
You know those small-town churches, the kind where generations of the same family have sat in the same pews, Sunday after Sunday. A place where faith is passed down, where families grow together, and where community means everything. That was my home church, First Baptist Church, South New Berlin, NY, a church filled with history, love, and devotion. Like so many small congregations, ours had begun to shrink and age, and many wondered what the future would hold. Then came Jean.
Jean was someone you might not expect to change the course of a church’s future. She was quiet, humble, and steadfast, a woman who lived her faith every day. She worked at the Upstate Home for Children followed by 30 years of service at the local hospital. She gave her time and talent to her church and community. She played piano for the seniors in nursing homes, offering comfort through music, kindness, and presence. What truly set Jean apart was the quiet way she lived her life – and how deeply she gave. When Jean passed, no one could have imagined the gift she left behind
Through her estate, Jean made a planned gift to her church. First Baptist Church of South New Berlin partnered with the American Baptist Foundation to establish an endowment in Jean’s name, the Bushnell Living Investment Fund. Her gift has become a lasting source of strength and stability for the ministries she cherished most. Today, her generosity continues to support a part-time pastor, the food pantry, and the missions she championed for decades. Jean’s story is more than one of generosity, it’s a beautiful example of how one person’s faith can shape the future.
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An endowment like Jean’s does more than preserve financial resources. It cultivates a culture of generosity. It teaches future generations that giving is not just something we do; it is a reflection of who we are. Each time her fund supports a ministry or meets a need, her example continues to inspire others to give in their own way. Establishing a ministry or family endowment is one of the most meaningful ways to live out your faith. It transforms your personal story into a legacy that keeps blessing others year after year, generation after generation. Endowments are not only financial tools; they are expressions of trust in God’s ongoing work through your church and community.
When you create an endowment, you are saying:
“I believe in the future of this ministry.” “I want my generosity to outlive me.” “I want to inspire others to give as I have given.”
Your legacy can provide lasting support for the ministries that matter most to you. What inspires you—worship and music, missions and outreach, youth or camping ministries, community care, your local church, your region? The ministries of ABHMS and IM? With thoughtful planning through the American Baptist Foundation, you can create an endowment that reflects your faith and strengthens ministry for generations to come.
Like Jean, whose faith left a lasting impact in her community, your generosity can continue to inspire others. To learn more about featured funds, visit:
www.americanbaptistfoundation.org/Inspirations/Featured-Endowments
Interested in creating your own family endowment to support the ministries you care most about like Jean has? Scan this QR code for more information and to be connected with our Donor Advisor team.
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Legacy Giving
As 2025 comes to an end, consider the many ways you can help support American Baptist ministries and missions while enjoying tax and income benefits. Here are a few end of the year gift suggestions:
Charitable IRA Rollover Congress made permanent the law that allows people age 70½ or older who own an IRA to make gifts directly from their IRA to charity. For many people, this is the best tax-wise way to give. An IRA rollover gift will not be included in your taxable income and may qualify for your required minimum distribution. What type of donor are you?....
Easy IRA Gift
Generous IRA Donor
Major IRA Donor
Christina is a retired county administrator and a volunteer at her local church. Christina’s retirement plan with the county has grown substantially and she has almost $450,000 in her IRA. Since Christina has all of the income she currently needs, she decided to make a gift of $2,000 from her IRA to her church. Christina called her custodian and requested a transfer of $2,000. It was easy for Christina to make the gift and she liked the fact that she could help her church without increasing her taxes.
Joe is a retired Navy Officer and a regular supporter of American Baptist ministries and missions. He is an avid volunteer and makes annual cash gifts up to the Federal limit. However, Joe wanted to make a one-time gift to a particular ministry for a special project, without exceeding Federal limits or increasing his taxes. Joe decided to make a charitable gift of $10,000 from his IRA to his desired American Baptist ministry. He was able to continue to make his regular contributions in addition to the IRA gift. The satisfaction he gained from supporting ministry was immeasurable.
Richard is a retired investment advisor. He has watched his IRA blossom and grow through good investments. It now is the largest asset in his estate. Richard is a frequent volunteer for his ABC region and wanted to make a major gift to their endowment held at ABF. So, Richard contacted ABF for assistance. ABF helped through the process of contacting his IRA custodian. Richard had his IRA custodian send $105,000 directly to his Region to beneift their endowment. He and his CPA were both delighted - Richard made a wonderful gift and his tax situation was simplified.
The names and images shown here are representative of typical donors and may or may not be actual donors. Under federal rules your benefits may be different from this example. Copyright © 2024 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Used by permission. This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary. Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation. 11
Many Christian individuals and families desire to remember their favorite ministries and charitable organizations through their current giving and estate plans. One way to accomplish this goal is to establish a legacy, or memorial, endowment bearing the family name or that of a particular family member or friend. Why establish a Legacy Endowment? By establishing a legacy endowment with American Baptist Foundation (ABF), an individual or a family can be certain that the American Baptist ministries and missions they hold dear are supported for years to come. Planting a seed may encourage other family members and friends to add to the fund over time. God has blessed each of us and we have an opportunity to make a difference.
A Legacy endowment creates a chance to communicate your lifetime commitment to American Baptist ministry and mission while providing a living witness that can ensure the continuance of ministry for generations to come.
Benefits of a Legacy Endowment
• Fund using cash contributions and/or a variety of assets • Create a charitable deduction • Produce steady stream of income to support ministries
If you would like to learn more about establishing a Legacy Endowment contact our offices by calling (610)-768-2035.
Gifts of Stock An outright gift of stock or other appreciated marketable securities is an excellent way to contribute to ministry while receiving attractive tax benefits. Stocks can also be used to create an income paying gift, such as a CGA or charitable trust.
This option works best for individuals who:
• Have investments that have grown over time • Are concerned with paying capital gain taxes
There are many planned giving options available to you. Whether it be a gift of life insurance, a bequest through your will, or a gift of real estate, ABF can work with you and your advisors to establish a gift plan that works best for you, your loved ones and the ministries you hold dear.
We are here to answer any questions you may have. ABF will work with your financial advisor or institution as you facilitate your desired gift.
Contact us today by calling (610)-768-2035 or email us at abfadmin@abc-usa.org
www.americanbaptistfoundation.org
Save Taxes. Increase Income. Build Legacy. We want to help you do all three the best way possible!
Many people are surprised to learn all the ways they can improve their lives even as they give to ministries and missions they love. As you shape your current philanthropy and your future legacy, you want to do it in the most effective way possible. We can help you. Whether you want personalized, customized ideas or the anonymity of working online, we are here for you.
Your One-Stop Resource. We are your legacy toolbox. Here are just some of the ways we can help you:
Videos — We have a variety of instructional videos explaining everything from basic gift planning to complex trust ideas, as well as a variety of testimonials for our generous donors, and grant recipients. Calculators — Learn what your payments would be on a charitable gift annuity or remainder trust. We use the latest rates and figures to provide you with current information you can trust.
Printed Material — If you prefer printed documents, we have brochures and guides you can download. You can even print our forms and financial reports.
Estate “Legacy” Planning — Request our “Planning Your Legacy - Estate Planning Workbook” that will give you a complete step-by-step guide for estate planning.
Wills Planner — Create a FREE account to ceate your Will in minutes. By completing four easy sections, you can easily download your personalize Will to review with your legal team. Ongoing Help — Our newsletters and emails keep you updated on tax changes and economic news that impact gift planning. Sign up for our enewsletter on our website to stay informed. You can call or email us. We can answer your questions or find information to help you.
Strengthening Your Financial Future (SYFF) Program begins with a conversation between ABF and your leadership team. A few steps, and commitment to the process,will help transform your ministry’s vision into a powerful stewardship resource.
VISION ✓ What drives your ministry? COMMUNICATION ✓ Increased donor commitment CELEBRATION ✓ A brighter future for your ministry
For more information about the SYFF program contact our office.
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Our Partners
EASY STEPS TO STAY CONNECTED TO ABF ONLINE: 1. Follow and Like us on Facebook and/or Instagram 2. Share our Post with your donors, ministry leaders, friends, family, etc. 3. Visit our website and Subscribe to our eNewsletter
Thank you to our partners, American Baptist Regions (Multi-Region Corporation), American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), and American Baptist International Ministries (IM).
The Foundation encourages the support of these ministries.
@americanbaptistfoundation
www.facebook.com/AmericanBaptistFoundation
www.youtube.com/AmericanBaptistFoundation
For easy access to the following, scan this QR Code using the camera on your mobile device and/or tablet:
• Our website • Estate Planning Guide • eNewsletter sign-up • More resources
SCAN ME
The Foundation
BOARD*
Nichole Tillman Board Chairman Donald Ng Board Vice Chair Patti Glasser Treasurer Robert Cochran Secretary
Jesse Brown Mark Click Gene Crume Jr. Ken Ellison Jeffrey Haggray Sandra Hasenauer Michelle Holmes
Sharon Koh Steve Van Ostran Alan Ragland
Lisa Rothenberger Gina Jacob-Strain Monique Sadler-Taylor
STAFF*
Rev. James Layton Communications Consultant
Rev. Dr. Christine Roush Chief Executive Officer
Magda Amargos, CGPA Development Advisor
Rev. Rick Barlow Development Advisor
Muriel Contreras Marketing & Communications Manager Nicole Harper Office Manager & Grants Administrator
Susan Hall Development Advisor
Dawn Jones SYFF Program Coordinator
Lon Krise Operations Specialist
Kristine Lutton, CGPA Development Advisor
Nicole Mustacchio Operations Manager
Paul Weers, CFP®, RICP® Development Advisor
Mitch Rohrbach Controller
* All names and titles for Board Members and Staff as of 10/15/2025
420 W. Germantown Pike, East Norriton, PA 19403
American Baptist Foundation | 610.768.2035 | 1-833-888-0538 | www.americanbaptistfoundation.org
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I would like to establish a planned gift!
Please complete & mail the form below to the ABF office.
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To return mail, fold form in half, this side facing in and seal with tape or staple .
My GOALS:
Making a will that works for me, my loved ones and American Baptist ministry & mission.
Reduce estate, capital gains and income taxes.
Increase income and support my church or other American Baptist ministries & missions.
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