A Little Goes a Long Way

The Many Ways of Financial Giving

Built in 1787, the Thetford Hill Congregational Church is the oldest meetinghouse in continuous service in the State of Vermont. It is not only a historical landmark and treasure; it is also home to our worship services, as well as a cherished gathering place for the greater Thetford community and its neighbors.

To donate to our church, please visit our on-line site tithe.ly

Your pledge and non-pledge donations are the major source of the funding that enables our church to fulfill its mission, pay salaries, and ‘keep the lights on.’ While these donations largely fund daily operations, they do not help us build capital reserves. The church has three funds for this purpose that you may additionally wish to consider. Donations my mail can be sent to PO Box 69 Thetford, VT 05074. You can view our Gift Acceptance Policy by clicking here.

Legacy Giving?

Legacy giving is not just for the wealthy! Please consider thanking First Congregational Church for the difference it has made in your life and your community, by making a contribution from your estate through a bequest.

Options include:

Making a Gift in your Will or Trust: By putting aside a fixed amount or small percentage of the assets in your will or trust, you can leave a legacy, while still making sure your family has the security they need for the future.

Naming FCCT as Partial Beneficiary of your Retirement Plan or Life Insurance: By dividing your assets in percentages, you can benefit loved ones, and our church. To make this type of gift, simply contact the Administrator of your retirement account or insurance company for a change-of-beneficiary form. Examples of the different ways in which people used legacy giving to remember the church include: Mel Clouser, who had generously promised to pay for the installation of an elevator when we built the annex, to make the church truly handicapped accessible. That promise of money was subsequently paid out of Mel’s estate. Carl and Elizabeth Clark, who had been regular participants in the congregation in years past when they summered in Thetford, designated our church as residual recipient of their annuity upon Elizabeth’s passing. Receipt of that donation represented a wonderful windfall at a time when our finances were in major need of a boost. While only having very limited resources, Charlotte McCartney nevertheless remembered the church in her will, a gift that is helping us to improve our church grounds.

Donating Appreciated Stocks

People who have invested in the stock market for a long time often have investments that have appreciated significantly. If that sounds like you, a great way to give is to donate stocks at present value. Upon receipt, the church is able to sell that stock without your incurring capital gains tax. Proceeds can then be allocated either to our operating fund or one of our capital funds, as you prefer.

Remember, any gift you can give, no matter how small it might seem to you, will truly make a big difference for the Church and surrounding community. For more information, please contact our church Treasurer, treasurer@thetfordhillchurch.org.

The Floyd Dexter Memorial Service Fund

Established in 1997, the Community Service Fund of the First Congregational Church in Thetford (FCCT), UCC, was renamed the Floyd Dexter Memorial Community Service Fund in 1999, honoring the longtime resident of Thetford Center who died that spring. As Pastor Tom Kinder said on that occasion, “Floyd’s acts of generosity and compassion in this community are too numerous to count. They were just part of the way he was, a direct result of his principles and his faith. He embodied the quality of neighborliness that represents Vermont at its best, and the love of neighbor that represents Christianity at its best. Every Christmas Eve we take a collection that we use to do just the kinds of things Floyd did. When we hear about people who are struggling, we use these funds to help them out. We have helped pay for heating homes in winter, for a child’s glasses so he could read the blackboard, and for psychiatric care for a child who was suicidal. We have been able to help people survive their hardest times and get back on their feet. We cannot end all the suffering, but we can do something to ease it. We can give as God and Jesus and Floyd gave.”

In the Fiscal Year of 2019 $14,800, and there were 38 individuals/families directly helped as well as to discretionary funds established in local schools. The Floyd Dexter Fund also supports the Thetford Community Nurse and gives money to Safeline, the Orange County agency that assists victims of domestic abuse and violence, for help with client needs.

People who are having a hard time covering costs of shelter, food, medicine, fuel, electricity, car repairs or other necessary expenses may call the church at (802)785-2915 and will be referred to Eleanor Zue, our Calling and Caring Coordinator.

Contributions are greatly appreciated throughout the year, and can be made by check to FCCT, with Floyd Dexter Fund in the memo line.