2/25/2024

Lenten Small Group: This Lent Palos UMC will offer a small group and sermon series 24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton. During the season of Lent we will join Hamilton as we journey through Jesus’ last days, what they meant, and what they would come to mean to the world.. This small group will be offered at Palos UMC on Tuesday evenings at 7 PM from February 20th- March 26th. First UMC of Evergreen Park will also have a small group meeting on Thursday mornings at 10 AM from February 22nd- March 28th.

Lenten Bible Study: Lenten Bible study beginning Wednesday, February 21st at 10:00-11:30 A.M. until March 27th. We'll meet in Fellowship Hall. Patricia Spring-Hodges will facilitate "Unveiling Mary Magdalene" by Liz Curtis Higgs. As always, whatever your Scriptural knowledge is, we'll all learn together. The author rejoices: "Easter will never be the same for me after studying Mary's life of dedication, then despair, then discovery, then declaration". A sign-up sheet will be available on the table in the Narthex.  

CHURCH DIRECTORY: The church council would like to put together an updated church directory with pictures. We are looking for some folks to work on this project, if you are interested, please contact the office.

LAKE SOUTH SPRING 2024 LAY ACADEMY
Sat., March 2nd 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Register Online: umcnic.org/calendar/lake-south-lay-academy-spring-2024 All books may be purchased at your favorite bookseller. All class times must be attended to receive course credit. Cost $20 Dolton: Faith UMC 15015 Grant St., Dolton QUESTIONS? Irma Clark - [email protected], Rose Faulkner - [email protected], Selena Roberts - [email protected]  

2024 Budget / Reducing your taxes
It looks like 2024 will be slightly more challenging than 2023 regarding finances. This past year the church paid all their salaries, bills, and apportionments. Pledged envelope receipts have been in line with the commitments made, which has provided for the funds to meet these commitments. Thanks to everyone for their financial support. As of the writing of this report our pledged envelope giving is approximately $15,000 less than the projected expenses for 2024. Any additional financial support you can provide for a balanced budget is greatly appreciated.

Skipping taxes on an IRA distribution is an option for people 70 ½ years of age who make a Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) out of a traditional IRA. If you contribute $1000 directly to the Qualified institution, Palos Methodist Church, you will not have taxes taken out of your IRA withdrawal. The church will receive $1000. Your deduction must be made directly from your IRA custodian, made payable to the charity, and mailed from the IRA provider. If you instruct your IRA custodian to send you $1000 you will be taxed on a $1000 distribution.

If you are 73 and have required minimum distributions from an IRA, the amount sent for a Qualified Charitable Deduction will count toward the total required minimum distribution.

In summary, if you are 70 ½ or 73 and have required minimum distributions, own an IRA, and donate to charity, QCD’s may make sense for you; consult a tax advisor regarding your specific situation. One suggestion is to make sure the IRA custodian is familiar with this option and recognizes all the qualifications are met for this tax-free distribution.

Thank you for your past and continued support of the Palos Methodist Church.
Greg Mallory Finance Committee Chair