Prince of Peace Lutheran Church offers a Memorial and Gift Fund for precisely that purpose. 

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the Memorial and Gift Fund at Prince of Peace. For additional information, please call the church office 847.885.7010.

What’s the difference between a memorial and a gift?
A memorial is a financial donation given to honor the memory of a deceased person; a gift is generally given to honor someone on a special occasion, e.g., a baptism, confirmation, wedding or anniversary.

Who is notified that a memorial give has been received?
When a memorial gift is received, an appropriate card is sent to the family of the deceased indicating that a gift has been given in memory of their loved one. The amount of your gift is not mentioned and is kept confidential.

When a gift is given to honor someone, who is notified?
When such a gift is given, a special card is sent to that person indicating that a gift has been made in their honor. Again, the amount of your gift is not mentioned and is kept confidential.

How do I go about giving a gift?
Memorial and gift forms are available at the Welcome Table and near the church entrances.  

On the Memorial and Gift From you will be asked to fill in your name, the name of the person being honored or memorialized (along with the appropriate addresses), the amount of your gift, and any special requests you have regarding the gift. Your gift and the form may be placed in the offering plate, or returned directly to the church office.

Can I designate how my gift is to be used?
In certain circumstances it’s appropriate to specify how your gift is to be used. However, in most cases it is recommended that you leave your gift undesignated. This gives the Memorial and Gift Committee the opportunity to use your gift where it is needed most.

If it is your desire to specify how your gift is to be used, it’s best to talk this over with a pastor.

What size gift is appropriate?
Your gift may be of any size. However, if you desire to give a larger gift, e.g., in excess of $1,000, it may be more appropriate to have such a gift placed in the church’s endowment fund.

Is the gift tax deductible?
Yes. Your year-end giving record from the church will indicate all of your giving for the year, including any special gifts that you have given to the Memorial and Gift Fund.

Will Memorial and Gift Fund monies be used only for tangible items?
No. While funds are often used to purchase needed tangible items, e.g., new hymnals, a stained glass window, music for the choir, there may be times when it is appropriate to use the gift for other purposes. This might include a gift to send a person to a Stephen Ministry training workshop, or to help fund a new program initiative.

If my gift is not used immediately, what happens to the money?
Your gift will be placed in an interest bearing account until it is used. However, the interest on your gift will be placed in the Undesignated Fund and will not affect the size of your gift.