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Places of Peace: Russia to Ukraine
Giving through IRAs Recent legislation provides an excellent way to give to Places of Peace:
Russia to Ukraine through IRA charitable rollovers in the United States.
If you are over 70-1/2, you are eligible to make an IRA charitable rollover
to the Community of Christ. These IRA distributions will not be included in
your federal taxable income. While there is no added deduction for an IRA
charitable rollover, avoiding up to $100,000 of taxable income may save
substantial income taxes not otherwise available. Your IRA charitable
rollover this year will qualify for all or part of your required IRA minimum
distribution.
Charitable IRA Rollovers—Five Popular Reasons: 1. Convenience—It’s easy to make a gift.
2. Standard deduction benefit—It allows the standard deduction. Since the
IRA rollover is not on your return, it may reduce your taxes.
3. Lower tax on Social Security—Because of an IRA distribution, you may be
paying tax on 85 percent of your Social Security. Using the IRA charitable
rollover may lower your income, and only 50 percent of Social Security is
taxable.
4. No giving limits—With an IRA charitable rollover, you may give more than
the usual deductible amount of 50 percent of income.
5. Lower income level saves tax—People with higher incomes often lose part
of their charitable deductions and other tax benefits. Using an IRA
charitable rollover for part or all of your IRA required distribution may
lower your income and save taxes.
Contact Estate and Financial Planning at efpm@CofChrist.org , or call
1-800-884-7526 for further information.
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The Voices of “Places of Peace:
Russia to Ukraine”
"Sometimes I tremble at the thought of what would have happened to me if I
had not met the missionaries of the Community of Christ. I think that I
could not have lived without the sense of perfect peace I have found in
Christ and this church."—Stanislav Gladysh, Voronezh, Russia
Stanislav’s words echo the passion of Community of Christ members and
friends across Russia and Ukraine. Hunger for the healing balm of the gospel
is rampant there. Young adults flock to our Friendship Clubs, fervently
searching for the peace of Jesus Christ. The sweet voices of the children in
Oasis of Peace ring out with hope each time they perform.
The people want to share the peace of Jesus Christ so desperately that
they cram into tiny apartments that are only the size of a bedroom. Despite
their cramped quarters, the voices of Community of Christ members and
friends ring out loud and clear as they seek to proclaim Jesus Christ and
promote communities of joy, hope, love, and peace. The testimonies of the
Saints in Russia and Ukraine are powerful.
Sergei Morotin, from Borisoglebsk, Russia, relates:
In 2007, when I became a Community of Christ member, I felt that
something changed in me, in my heart and in my head. I started going to the
International Friendship Club meetings in my hometown of Borisoglebsk, and
heard about the hope of peace for the whole world there. In Russia, where I
live, there is worry about other nations. Many older generations do not
trust foreigners and believe that peace is only a dream.
Young adults have a different view. We believe we come near to
establishing God’s kingdom on earth when we understand people of other
nations and all agree that Christ is the answer for the world’s problems and
not military force or political struggles.
We appreciate all the support the Community of Christ gives us. We hope
that because we spread the gospel of Christ’s peace in this place, the
future of the world will be peaceful and loving. And so I want to say,
“Thank you, Community of Christ members and friends around the world, for
making peace visible here in Russia and all over the earth!”
Your generous response builds the Community of Christ, where precious
lives are held in God’s hands. From now through January 2009, individuals,
families, and congregations have the remarkable opportunity to help build
places of peace in Russia and Ukraine where members and friends can come and
experience the peace of Jesus Christ.
The goal of $330,000 will help provide sacred spaces for worship and
social ministry, and allow people to experience the peace of Jesus Christ in
three cities in Russia (Novosibirsk, Moscow, and Voronezh) and two in
Ukraine (Odessa and Kiev). Buildings will be purchased and converted into
sacred spaces. Russia and Ukraine church members will provide much of the
labor to renovate the interiors. Contributions received above the $330,000
goal will be used for additional Russia and Ukraine congregations and to
provide ministries of peacemaking. Thank you!
—Sandra Ferguson, reporting
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