Altavista Congregational Trust for Missions

Overview & History

In 2003, Ernest Jones, Jr. bequeathed to the Altavista Presbyterian Church a significant portion of his personal estate. Following a time of discernment, the Session chose to disburse that gift in three ways: 10% of the gift was immediately given to mission offerings and programs, including the hiring of the congregation's first seminary pastoral intern. 25% of the gift was used for necessary renovations and improvements to the church facilities. The remaining 65% of the gift was invested with the Presbyterian Foundation under terms summarized here, thus creating the Altavista Congregational Trust for Missions.

Account and
​Method of Payment

ACT for Missions is an irrevocable trust invested with the Presbyterian Foundation. The beneficiary of the trust is Altavista Presbyterian Church, Inc. While the terms of the trust cannot be changed, funds may be added at any time.

ACT for Missions provides funds for mission work in three separate ways:
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Annual Payment - Every year in March, the Presbyterian Foundation distributes a payment from the trust based on investment income over the last five years. This payment is automatic and the amount varies based on investment performance. This annual payment must be used for missions.

​Matching Funds - Upon specific written request of the Session, the Presbyterian Foundation can release additional funds from the trust to match congregational giving for a specific mission project. Total requests cannot exceed $5,000 in any one calendar year. These matching funds must be used for missions.

​Emergency Funds - Upon specific written request of the Session, and following approval by 2/3 of the active members present at a duly called congregational meeting, the Presbyterian Foundation can release up to 15% of the remaining balance of the trust to be used as needed for emergency funds. Emergency funds can be accessed only once in 5 years. These emergency funds differ from the preceding two sources in that they can be used for missions or to assist the congregation in a specific time of need.

Missions

For the purposes of the ACT for Mission trust, "missions" are broadly defined as any ministry beyond the congregation, whether local, regional, or abroad. Mission offerings, mission trips, outreach projects, scholarships, and missionary support are but a few examples. The spirit of the trust is to foster creativity and energy for involving the congregation in Christian missions. In short, ACT for Missions funds cannot be used to support the regular operating needs of the congregation or for ordinary improvements to the church building and grounds.

Gifts

Gifts to increase the balance of the ACT for Missions trust are welcomed. With any gift of $1000 or greater, the Session shall record the name of the giver on the ACT for Missions plaque in the church building. Furthermore, the Session can at any time direct undesignated memorials, bequests, or other gifts into the trust.

College Scholarship

In 2007, the remaining proceeds from a bequest from the estate of Georgia Lee Farmer were moved into the ACT for Missions trust. It was the intent of the Session that henceforth college scholarships be awarded to recipients approved by the Session, funded from the annual payment (#1 above). Generally, the Georgia Lee Farmer college scholarship shall be $1,000 and shall be awarded to one recipient a year. However, the Session may adjust these two parameters as needed.