Giving Back to God

Retired New York State veterinarian Dr. Douglas Dedrick, once dreamed of becoming a pastor.

He enrolled in seminary, received his degree and planned to start a second career in ministry. But, unexpectedly, his plans were sidetracked by a serious injury sustained during surgery.

Instead of starting a new career, Dedrick was forced to retire permanently. These days, he acknowledges that he has some physical limitations, but he remains active and enthusiastic about his church, New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages.

"I really, really like New Covenant," he said. "I joined the church and immediately became quite active. I am involved in a number of ministries. It is not uncommon for me to spend four out of five nights a week at the church."

Dedrick also is the kind of member who believes in "giving back."

In fact, his theology of giving is firmly rooted in Old Testament scripture:

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand." 1 Chronicles 29:14 (NIV)

"As Christians we are empowered by the knowledge that everything we have comes from God," he said. "Therefore, the practice of giving automatically should become a natural part of our daily discipleship."

Before moving to Florida, he had set-up charitable gift annuities (cga's) for his alma mater, Cornell University, and his former home church in upstate New York. So, when he decided to officially become a Florida resident, he worked with the Foundation to establish a cga for his newly adopted church at The Villages.

"While I am alive, it will provide tax benefits as well as lifelong annuity payments," he said. "Upon my death, the remainder of the annuity will go to the church."

Dedrick believes in helping the church all that he can. By establishing a legacy gift through the Foundation, he has created a gift that will continue to give long after his lifetime.