Earlier this week, I read a brief blurb entitled “The Season of Giving.”

This really is “the season of giving.” People give more between Thanksgiving to Christmas than any other time in the year.

First of all, here are a couple of ways you can maximize giving. We pay a lot of taxes, and we have a complicated tax code. Here are two ways you can minimize taxes and therefore maximize giving.

The first has to do with appreciated assets. If you have real estate, common stocks, jewelry, or almost anything else that has gone up in value, you can give it to FBC Covington or a charity without paying taxes on the appreciation. You get the full tax break without paying extra taxes.

The second has to do with those of you who have an IRA account and are required to make a minimum distribution. You can give that distribution to a charity without having to pay taxes on the distribution. You have to do this by the end of the year, and you should consult a professional.

To whom should you give? I would like for you to give to FBC as well as other charities.

First, give to First Baptist Church and its many ministries. By doing so you will give to national, local, and international missions. You will also give to influence the next-generation (through VBS, Upward Recreation, special needs ministry and many other ministries).

Second, give to the Rise Up! campaign to expand our building.

Third, give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.

Fourth, designate an area of giving to First Baptist Church, such as benevolence, or one of the other ministries mentioned above.

Fifth, think of the many local ministries that make a difference such as the Covington Crisis Pregnancy Center, Danielle Inn, the Covington Food Bank and the Samaritan Center, and New Orleans Mission. These are local ministries that care about people. You might also give to the Covington Rotary Club that provides a meal every Christmas for needy people in a wide area.

Thank you for caring about God and the people around us. May God bless you in this season.