# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1950_S622
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

622 FINANCIAL MATTERS

Synod at present is paying a Death Benefit of $250 to the
widow or family of every deceased Pension Fund member whose
account is in good standing at the time of his death. Group insur-
ance would not provide an increase in the Death Benefit in behalf
of those members who have already retired. Our purpose in pay-
ing a Death Benefit from Synod’s Budget is to aid the worker’s or
the pensioner’s widow and to encourage participation in the Fund
and promptness in paying the contribution. Because the value of
the dollar has decreased since the Death Benefit was fixed at $250
and also as a further inducement to our active workers to join the
Pension Fund or to continue the regular and prompt payments of
Pension dues, we recommend that

The Death Benefit be increased from $250 to $500, subject
to the same type of deductions obtaining at the present time
where the account of the deceased member is not paid in full.

The cost of the Death Benefit to Synod would thus be increased

from $14,000 to $28,000 a year. This increased special benefit

should become effective as of February 1, 1951.

In December, 1948, our new Pension manual, The Pension.
Catechism, made its appearance. It is our hope that this new
manual will be found helpful in understanding the plan and benefits
of the Fund.

Last fall Memorial Wreath cards were “mailed out to all
workers in Synod. We hope our pastors and teachers will make
frequent use of this method of receiving contributions for the
Board of Support and Pensions current treasury, but more par-
ticularly for the Pension Contingent Fund, from which benefits
will accrue to Pension Fund members in years to come.

Though the matter we still wish to bring to your attention
is herewith presented at the very end of a lengthy report, yet we
sincerely hope everyone who receives a copy thereof will give heed
to our plea for Annuity Gifts to Synod’s Pension Contingent Fund.
An Annuity Gift is made by a person who wishes to give a certain
sum of money to an organization for the purpose of receiving an
annuity therefrom. The rate is determined by the age of the donor.
Payments are made for life. The residium, of course, must be
used for the Pension Contingent Fund.

We plead with you to entrust such an Annuity Gift in any
sum with Synod for the eventual benefit of the Pension Contingent
Fund. Veterans of the Cross and their dependents will become
the eventual beneficiaries. For what better cause could you make
a gift of this kind? Your loving gratitude to those who serve you
with the life-giving Word wifl thus be given expression, and you
will receive the benefit of such a gift as long as you live. The
rate of such annuities to you is generous. Write to this Board for
the annuity rates.