Of the many teachings in the Scriptures, we believe the following statements represent the primary historic Christian doctrines.
The Word of God: We believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the verbally inspired Word of God. They are the final authority for faith and life. Inerrant and infallible in the original writings, they were once for all delivered to the saints. (Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:16, 17; II Peter 1:20,21)
Trinity: We believe there is but one only living and true God (John 17:3) revealed in three persons – Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28: 19); the same in substance, equal in power and glory. (Genesis 1: 26; Deuteronomy. 6:4; John 1:1, 18)
The Virgin Birth: We believe that Jesus Christ was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary and thus incarnated in true God and true Man. (Matthew 1:18 -23; Luke 1: 35; John 1: 1 – 3, 14; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 9:6, 7)
Depravity of Mankind: We believe that mankind was created in the image and after the likeness of God, that he sinned and thereby incurred not only physical death but also that spiritual death which is separation from God; and that all human beings are born with a sinful nature which is enmity against God, and are sinners in thought, word and deed. (Genesis 1: 26; Psalm 51: 5; Romans 3:10,23; 5:12; Romans 3:19)
Cross-work of Christ and Present Work of Christ: We believe that the Cross-work of Jesus Christ is the only escape from the condemnation of sin. That the Lord Jesus, yet without sin, suffered and died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a substitutionary and only acceptable sacrifice. That He was buried and rose again from the dead, according to the Scriptures. That He ascended into Heaven where He now sits at the Right Hand of the Throne of God, The Father Almighty, as our High Priest, Mediator and Advocate. (I Corinthians 15:3, 4; I Peter 1: 3-5; I Peter 2:24; I John 2:1; Matthew 16:21; Mark 16:19; John 21:14; Acts 1:3; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:1)
Salvation: We believe that those who receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ are born again, not by works of righteousness on their part, but because of God’s free mercy and grace; salvation is the gift of God. All those who are thus justified have been regenerated, indwelt, baptized and sealed by the Holy Spirit, and are the adopted children of God, preserved unto the day of redemption. (John 1: 12-13; 3:8; 14: 17; Romans 8:11, 15; I Corinthians 3:16; 12:13; II Corinthians 1: 22; Ephesians 1: 5-8, 13-14; 2:8, 9; Titus 3:4-7)
The Church: We believe the church is an elect company of believers baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body. Its mission is to glorify and witness concerning its God and Savior, Jesus Christ; to preach the Gospel among all nations; and to edify itself in love until Christ raptures His Church. The One and only Head of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ working through the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1: 6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; Ephesians 4:4, 6, 11 -1 6)
Sanctification: We believe that, as the new birth is by faith and through the agency of the Holy Spirit and by the Word of God, so is the process of growing in grace. All those who have been saved have been sanctified throughout the whole man positionally in Christ; yet in this life some remnants of corruption in every part remain, so that a continual war between the flesh and the Spirit rages. Therefore the believer is also being sanctified, so that his perfect position is transformed into true holiness and practice. This once for all act continues throughout life and reaches finality when believers receive their glorified bodies. Notwithstanding, the saved man will be active in perfecting holiness out of reverence for God, working out the redemption that God has in worked; and sanctification will be manifested toward the world with the fruit of the Spirit. (John 17:17, 19; I Corinthians 6:11; II Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; Galatians 15: 17,22-23; Ephesians 4:13; 5:27; Philippians 2:12-13; I Thessalonians 3:12,13; 4:3, 7; 5:23; I Peter 1: 2; 2:2; II Peter 3:18; I John 1: 8-10)
Christ’s Return: We believe in “that blessed hope”, the personal, bodily, imminent, pre-tribulation and premillennial return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That He will return, coming in the air only, before the seven year tribulation period; to rapture (catch away) His church and that He will come visibly with His church at the close of the tribulation to judge the living nations and set up His Kingdom on the earth. (Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 13:32-37; Acts 1: 11; I Thessalonians 2:19; I Thessalonians 3:13; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; II Thessalonians 1: 7,8; Titus 2:13; James 5:8; II Thessalonians.)
Eternal State: We believe in the bodily resurrection of the saved and the unsaved, the everlasting conscious blessedness in Heaven of the saved and the everlasting conscious punishment in Hell of the lost. (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:46; John 5:28,29; Acts 24:15; II Thessalonians 1: 8,9; Revelations 20:10, 15)
Satan: We believe that Satan is a person, the author of sin and the cause of the fall; that he is the open and declared enemy of God and man; and, that he shall be eternally punished in the Lake of Fire. (Job 1: 6,7; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:1,11; 25:41; John 8:44; Ephesians 2:2,3; Revelations 20:10)
Ordinance of Baptism: We believe that baptism is for believers. It is to be by total immersion in water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, as a testimony of the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:41; 8:38; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12)
Ordinance of Lord’s Supper: We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a means of commemorating the death of our Savior, and is to be a bond and pledge of our communion with Him and with each other. (Matthew 26:26-30; I Corinthians 10:16-17,21; 11: 23-26)
There are several federal tax incentives specifically intended to encourage charitable contributions. Such incentives often enable a donor or member to make a larger gift to County Corrections Gospel Mission at little or no additional cost.
County Corrections Gospel Mission is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. There are many ways to support County Corrections Gospel Mission and its important efforts. Cash donations do not include membership benefits. See below for more information on federal tax incentives specifically intended to encourage charitable contributions. Such incentives often enable a donor or member to make a larger gift to County Corrections Gospel Mission at little or no additional cost:
Gifts of Cash: Writing a check to County Corrections Gospel Mission or donating money online with your credit card is generally tax-deductible and the simplest and most direct way to contribute. If you itemize your tax deductions, your gift to County Corrections Gospel Mission is generally fully deductible up to 50% of your adjusted gross income, and any excess may be carried forward for up to five additional years.
Make checks payable to: “County Corrections Gospel Mission” or “CCGM”. A note in the memo line can be used to indicate your intentions with the donation. Mail checks to: County Corrections Gospel Mission, PO Box 1136, Coatesville, PA 19320
Donate to County Corrections Gospel Mission through the Combined Federal Campaign: Federal employees, including federal civilians, military personnel, and U.S. Postal Service workers, can donate to County Corrections Gospel Mission through the federal government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). The CFC is a once-a-year charitable fundraising program. If you are a federal employee, please look for County Corrections Gospel Mission in the official CFC listing of eligible donors.
Employee Giving: Many employers will match your donations to non-profit organizations dollar-for-dollar. This includes membership payments. Some companies match only a percentage of your gift. Check with your employer to see if your company has a matching program.
Gifts of Securities: Donating appreciated stock to County Corrections Gospel Mission benefits the donor and helps County Corrections Gospel Mission achieve its mission.
The donor receives two tax-related benefits. First, the appreciated value of the donated stock is not subject to capital gains taxes. Second, the donor can deduct the fair market value of the stock as a charitable contribution (subject to IRS rules). County Corrections Gospel Mission can sell the stock and put the money quickly to work to reach our goals. (As a non-profit group, we’re also exempt from capital gains taxes.) The net result: you can make a larger gift to County Corrections Gospel Mission because of the tax savings.
Gifts of Other Assets: The tax benefits of gifts of real property are similar to those of appreciated securities and in many cases apply to gifts of art, jewelry and other kinds of personal property. Interested donors should check with your financial and tax advisors and County Corrections Gospel Mission on the feasibility and tax considerations of such gifts.
Bequests: You can establish a legacy that will reflect your concern to help us achieve our Vision and Mission by including County Corrections Gospel Mission in your will or living trust. Bequests to County Corrections Gospel Mission are generally exempt from federal or state inheritance taxes, and subject to an unlimited deduction.
The simplest way is to add any of the following to your will or living trust:
Unrestricted Specific Bequest
I give to County Corrections Gospel Mission, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization, tax identification #23-223xxxx, located at 127 Brandamore Avenue, Brandamore, PA 19320, the sum of (dollar amount) for its general corporate purposes.
Unrestricted Percentage Bequest
I give to County Corrections Gospel Mission, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization, tax identification #23-223xxxx, located at 127 Brandamore Avenue, Brandamore, PA 19320, ___ % of the rest and residue of my estate for its general corporate purposes.
Unrestricted Residual Bequest
I give, bequeath and devise the rest and residue of my estate to County Corrections Gospel Mission, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization, tax identification #23-223xxxx, located at 127 Brandamore Avenue, Brandamore, PA 19320, for its general corporate purposes.
Restricted Use Bequest
I give to County Corrections Gospel Mission, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization, tax identification #23-223xxxx, located at 127 Brandamore Avenue, Brandamore, PA 19320, the sum of (dollar amount) for (specify how the gift is to be used). Note: It is a good idea to allow for alternate designations if County Corrections Gospel Mission cannot fulfill your primary wish.
Unrestricted Bequest For Endowment
I give to County Corrections Gospel Mission, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization, tax identification #23-223xxxx, located at 127 Brandamore Avenue, Brandamore, PA 19320, the sum of (dollar amount) for its general endowment fund. For larger amounts, it may be possible to endow a specific position or project.
Please consult with us and your financial and tax advisors in selecting a program or specific target for such a bequest.
Life Income Gifts: There are a variety of plans through which you can transfer assets to County Corrections Gospel Mission and receive income. Generally, a life income gift pays income to you or your chosen beneficiary for a term of years or for life. After the conclusion of the term, or upon the death of the last income beneficiary, the remainder left in the life income gift is distributed to County Corrections Gospel Mission. Life income gifts, funded with cash, securities, or real estate, may be made during the donor’s lifetime or at death for the benefit of one’s heirs. In addition, life income gifts may offer a variety of tax, financial, and estate planning advantages including: Estate tax savings, reduced estate settlement costs, tax-free or tax-reduced income, avoidance of capital gains taxes and others. Please consult with your financial and tax advisors.
Pooled Income Fund: A pooled income fund is a common trust, which allows gifts from many donors to be combined for investment purposes. Each beneficiary receives his or her proportionate share of the net income earned by the fund. After the death of the income beneficiary or beneficiaries, the value of the remainder is segregated from the fund and distributed to County Corrections Gospel Mission.
Charitable Remainder Trust: One of the most commonly used forms of charitable tax planning is called the charitable remainder trust. It is a way you can convert a highly appreciated asset (such as real estate or stocks) into a lifetime income while minimizing income and estate taxes. You can benefit from a charitable remainder trust if you own a highly appreciated asset, are in a high income tax bracket, would like to enjoy your profits now but want to avoid capital gains and estate taxes, and you wish to support County Corrections Gospel Mission.
A charitable remainder trust entails transferring the appreciated asset into an irrevocable trust, naming County Corrections Gospel Mission as beneficiary. The trustee (a trust company that specializes in trust management is recommended) then sells the asset at full market value and re-invests the proceeds in a high quality, well-diversified investment portfolio. For the rest of your life, the trust pays you an income. When you die, the remaining trust assets go to County Corrections Gospel Mission.
A charitable remainder trust can take either of two forms: A charitable remainder annuity trust that pays a fixed-dollar amount each year, which cannot be less than 5% nor more that 50% of the initial fair market value of the trust assets; or a charitable remainder unitrust that pays a fixed percentage not less than 5% nor more than 50% of the trust assets each year, based on an annual revaluation of the trust assets.
In making a gift, we strongly recommend that you consult with your attorney, accountant, and other financial advisors on the legal and tax-related matters affecting your specific situation.
Charitable Gifts: These are tax deductible premiums through a life insurance or fixed annuity with CCGM as the beneficiary. (more)
For more information on any of these programs, contact Del Walinga, Financial Director: del@countycorrectionsgospelmission.org
Social Networks: Facebook is a social network that helps connect County Corrections Gospel Mission with individuals and other corporate sponsors. County Corrections Gospel Mission Corporate Members make donations to County Corrections Gospel Mission on behalf of individuals who register their activities on Facebook network. Participants earn County Corrections Gospel Mission gear by logging their activities and choosing a corporate sponsor that makes a donation to County Corrections Gospel Mission on their behalf.
Gifts-in-Kind: Gifts-in-Kind donations are non-monetary items or materials of tangible personal property. Examples include real estate, art objects, high-quality collectibles, antiques, books, automobiles, products, computer hardware, computer software, supplies and more.
All Gifts-in-Kind donations to County Corrections Gospel Mission must first be approved by our office and the department that is responsible for receiving the actual gift. Upon receiving approved Gifts-in-Kind, CCGM will issue a receipt identifying the date of receipt and acknowledging that the described Gift-in-Kind has been received.
County Corrections Gospel Mission does not identify a value for the Gifts-in-Kind on the receipt. The donor is responsible for acquiring the fair market value applicable at the time of the gift.
For Gifts-in-Kind that are valued by the donor at more than $5,000, the IRS requires that a fair market value appraisal be obtained by the donor. Please contact a tax accountant to inquire about how Gifts-in-Kind donations may benefit you in your individual tax situation.
If you would like to learn more about Gifts-in-Kind donation opportunities, or if you would like to meet with a County Corrections Gospel Mission Representative, please contact our office.
Tribute Gifts: We accept gifts that are designated “in memory of” loved ones, family members, friends and others. We are grateful for those who have uniquely remembered a loved one by making a gift in their memory to the ministries of County Corrections Gospel Mission.
Relatives or close friends may choose to designate a gift for County Corrections Gospel Mission’s General Fund or any of the other ministry project opportunities.
When making a contribution gift to further the ministries of County Corrections Gospel Mission “in memory of” a loved one, please provide the following information:
Upon receipt of the “in memory of” gift, County Corrections Gospel Mission will process the gift and send acknowledgement to the donor gratefully acknowledging the tribute gift.
You may also request County Corrections Gospel Mission to send an acknowledgement card with verses of comfort to a surviving family member or a family representative of the deceased. The card identifies the donor by name and the special tribute gift that was made “in memory of” (it does not disclose the amount of the gift). When submitting this request, please clearly provide the name and address of a surviving family member or a family representative of the deceased.
If you would like to learn more about memorial gifts or if you would like County Corrections Gospel Mission envelopes available at a funeral or memorial service, please contact us.
Sponsorship: You may sponsor any individual or event that is affiliated to this ministry.
Adopt-a-Project: You may adopt any building, vehicle or piece of equipment belonging to County Corrections Gospel Mission and make a pledge to maintain it in good order.
Sources:
http://biblica.com/estate-planning/charitable-bequest-language/
http://www.rescue-mission.org/estate-gifts
http://taxtime.about.com/od/tipstricks/a/CharityDonation.htm
http://www.moodyministries.net/crp_MainPage.aspx?id=292
County Corrections Gospel Mission is a faith ministry and exists only by the faithfulness and sacrificial giving of God’s people. The ministry is registered as a non-profit ministry. This 501(c)(3) status provides supporters the advantage of tax-deductible benefits as allowed by the IRS.
We pledge to uphold the following principles and standards in all our financial transactions and decision-making
Your privacy is very important to County Corrections Gospel Mission. This privacy statement provides information about the personal information that County Corrections Gospel Mission collects, and the ways in which County Corrections Gospel Mission uses that personal information.
Personal information collection
County Corrections Gospel Mission may collect and use the following kinds of personal information:
Using personal information: County Corrections Gospel Mission may use your personal information to:
Where County Corrections Gospel Mission discloses your personal information to its agents or sub-contractors for these purposes, the agent or sub-contractor in question will be obligated to use that personal information in accordance with the terms of this privacy statement.
In addition to the disclosures reasonably necessary for the purposes identified elsewhere above, County Corrections Gospel Mission may disclose your personal information to the extent that it is required to do so by law, in connection with any legal proceedings or prospective legal proceedings, and in order to establish, exercise or defend its legal rights.
Securing your data: County Corrections Gospel Mission will take reasonable technical and organizational precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of your personal information.
County Corrections Gospel Mission will store all the personal information you provide on its secure servers.
[Information relating to electronic transactions entered into via this website will be protected by encryption technology.]
Updating this statement: County Corrections Gospel Mission may update this privacy policy by posting a new version on this website.
You should check this page occasionally to ensure you are familiar with any changes.
Other websites: This website contains links to other websites.
County Corrections Gospel Mission is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices of any third party.
Contact County Corrections Gospel Mission: Please contact us if you have any questions about this privacy policy or County Corrections Gospel Mission’s treatment of your personal information.
This privacy statement is based on a Freenetlaw template supplied by Employment Law Contracts.
County Corrections Gospel Mission is a registered non-profit ministry. This 501(c)(3) status provides supporters all the tax-deductible benefits as allowed by the IRS.
We found the following article by William Perez, an experienced guide on About.com, very useful. Use the reference at the end of this page to read other related articles.
Donations to charity are tax deductible expenses. These donations can reduce your taxable income and lower your tax bill. Not everyone will be able to deduct their charitable contributions, however. You will need to itemize your tax deductions in order to claim any charity.
“You may deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to qualified organizations if you itemize your deductions.” (IRS Publication 78)
Where to Claim the Charity Deduction: You claim your tax deduction on Form 1040, Schedule A (PDF).
Rules for Claiming the Charitable Contribution Deduction: Your gift of cash or property must meet certain criteria in order to be tax-deductible. See IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions, for the most recent information.
Keeping Records of Your Charity: Taxpayers are required to keep excellent records of their charitable contributions. Under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, you must keep written records of all cash donations. Donations of $250 or more will not be allowed as a tax deduction unless you have supporting documentation. Your records must indicate the name of the charitable organization, the date of your contribution, and the amount your contribution. This record keeping requirement took effect beginning with the 2007 tax year.
Non-Cash Contributions of Property: Contributions of property (other than cash) are subject to strict record keeping and substantiation rules. You must be able to substantiate the fair market value of the goods or property you donated, plus keep any written acknowledgments you receive from the charity.
Fair Market Value of Contributed Property: You must make an assessment of the fair market value of the property you contribute.
Non-Cash Contributions Totalling More Than $500: You must attach IRS Form 8283 if your total non-cash contributions exceeds $500.
Car Contributions: Must Have Written Acknowledgement: If you contribute a car, truck, boat, airplane, or other vehicle, and the vehicle is worth more than $500, you must received a written acknowledgement from the non-profit before you can claim a tax deduction.
Non-Cash Contributions over $5,000: Must Have Written Appraisal: If you contribute property worth more than $5,000, you must obtain a written appraisal of the property’s fair market value.
Limits on the Charitable Contribution Deduction: Your charitable contribution tax deduction may be limited. There are limits specific to charitable contributions, and there are general limits on itemized deductions.
50%, 30%, and 20% Limits on Charitable Contributions
Charitable contributions in excess of these limits can be carried over to the following tax year. The excess contributions can be carried over for a maximum of five years.
Not Tax Deductible: Contributions are not tax deductible if given to any of the following:
IRS Resources:
You should keep all documents regarding donations to charity. This includes both cash and non-cash contributions. Under the Pension Protection Act, taxpayers are required have receipts from the charity, a canceled check, or credit card statement to prove their donation. No tax deduction will be allowed if the taxpayer cannot provide any supporting documentation. You will not need to mail in the receipts with their tax return. Instead, keep receipts and other documentation with your copy of the tax return in the event of an IRS audit.
What Records You Need to Keep: For cash contributions under $250, be sure to keep the following records:
For cash contributions of $250 or more, you must have a written acknowledgment from the charity before you can deduct the contribution on your tax return. Be sure to keep all acknowledgment letters from charities with your tax records. Acknowledgment letters must state the following:
Keeping Records of Non-Cash Contributions: For donations of property, you must keep records to establish what you donated, its condition, its fair market value, and the amount of your tax deduction. Your records must indicate:
For non-cash contributions worth $250 to $500, you will also need a written acknowledgment letter from the charity to substantiate your deduction.
For non-cash contributions worth $500 to $5,000, you will need to keep records that establish:
For non-cash contributions of $5,000 or more, you will need a written appraisal from a qualified appraiser to substantiate the value of your deduction.
The new law also toughens the rules for non-cash donations. Donated items, such as cars, clothing, and household goods, must be in good condition. “The new law does not define ‘good condition,’” according to a briefing of the law from CCH. No tax deduction is allowed for items in less than good condition. You should keep a detailed list of the non-cash goods you donated to charity, along with a description of their condition.
Will the IRS be auditing tax returns that claim a deduction for charitable contributions? No one knows for sure, but tax journalist Kay Bell provides this word of warning, “Perhaps the IRS will, at least for a while in this new requirement’s initial stages, start pulling more returns that list donated property and asking filers to confirm the worth of their gifts.”
Reference: http://taxtime.about.com/od/tipstricks/a/CharityDonation.htm