To Get Started

1. Complete application.
2. Review the application for accuracy and completeness. Two officers must sign in Step 1. All authorized signers must complete Step 4.
3. Mail application and check to LCEF.
4. Call 800-843-5233 if you have any questions.

Useful Calculators

Savings Calculator

Checkbook Balancer

Helpful Documentation

Investment Application for LCMS Organizations

Special Service Fee Notice

MyAccount

Cemetery Care StewardAccount^®

Many LCMS cemeteries have existed for hundreds of years, with plans to offer upcoming generations the same opportunity well into the future. The Cemetery Care StewardAccount^® is for dollars designated for the improvement, maintenance, management, and long-term operation of your congregation's cemetery. This investment helps to ensure that money set aside for the cemetery is earning a competitive interest rate and is easily accessible.

Cemetery Care Features:

• Minimum $1,000 investment to open account.
• Unlimited number of checks per month, with per-check minimum of $250.
• Initial quantity of checks FREE; check reorders competitively priced.
• Visa^® Debit Card, optional.
• Tiered interest rates that rise as your balance grows.
• Interest compounded and paid monthly.
• No monthly maintenance or membership fees.
• Free MyAccount online services, including bill pay and e-statements.

For complete disclosure information about LCEF, see the Offering Circular or request a copy by calling 800-843-5233.

Note: The StewardAccount is not available in South Carolina. StewardAccount access services are offered through UMB Bank, n.a.

Fees may be charged for customer-initiated special service requests.

Cemetery Care StewardAccount Rates		May 2013 Rates
Minimum	Term	Rate	APY *
$1,000.00	---	0.500%	0.501%
$25,000.00	---	0.625%	0.627%
$50,000.00	---	0.750%	0.753%
$100,000.00	---	1.000%	1.000%

* APY is the annual percentage yield, representing the effective rate of interest when all principal and interest payments are retained in the investment balance.

View all investment rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why invest in LCEF?

Investments in LCEF serve a dual purpose: to earn a competitive rate of return for investors and to provide low-cost loans and support to LCMS ministries that seek to build God's Kingdom. Your dollars (invested or gifted) earn the "ministry dividend," the benefit of knowing that the funds help ministries fulfill the Great Commission.

How often do investment interest rates change?

Investment interest rates may change monthly based on regional and national rates published by the Bank Rate Monitor™. View all investment rates or call us at 800-843-5233, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. (CT).

What is a demand investment?

A demand investment earns interest and allows funds to be added to the account or redeemed (withdrawn) without penalty. We also refer to these products as dedicated certificates (individuals), demand certificates (LCMS organizations/congregations) and StewardAccounts.

How can I add to my investment?

Most LCEF investments allow additional funds to be added at any time. For dedicated, demand and StewardAccounts, additional investments may be made electronically through MyAccount (LCEF's online financial service), wire transfer, ACH or by sending a check with an Investment Slip to LCEF.

Floating rate term notes allow additional investments of $25 or more to be made during the term.

Fixed-rate term notes allow additional funds to be invested but only at maturity, during the 20-day grace period.

How do I make a partial or full redemption from my LCEF investment?

Partial redemptions can be made from demand investments at any time (principal and/or interest). For dedicated and demand certificates and StewardAccounts, complete the redemption section of the Investment Slip and mail to LCEF. Unless otherwise instructed, a check will be issued.

StewardAccount holders have the ability to write checks or may have access to their funds via the debit card. (Debit card is not available on Family Emergency StewardAccounts and accounts with special signing restrictions).

Redemptions from term notes may be made at the expiration of their terms. Request for redemption must be in writing and signed by all account owners.

LCEF is not required to redeem any note prior to its maturity date. However, as a matter of policy, LCEF may redeem a note at the request of the investor upon a showing of need. When LCEF agrees to redeem a note, interest penalties may apply. For a partial redemption, the penalty is assessed on the amount of the withdrawal, not on the principal value of the note.

Remember, redemptions of investments under joint ownership require signatures from all account owners.

How do I increase my automatic investment?

Complete the Automatic Investment Authorization form and return to LCEF at least 10 business days before the next scheduled transaction date. You may also call 800-843-5233 and request that an authorization form be mailed.

How do I stop my automatic investment into my LCEF account?

Write or call LCEF at 800-843-5233 to revoke an existing automatic investment authorization. Requests to revoke must be received at least 10 business days before the next scheduled transaction date.

How long does it take for an electronic transfer of funds from my bank to be credited to my LCEF investment account?

Generally it takes two business days for an electronic transfer to post to your investment account.

What is "unclaimed property" and how can I avoid having my account escheated to the state treasurer's office?

Property is considered abandoned after a specific period of inactivity, which is usually three or five years (varies by state). At LCEF, abandoned or unclaimed property consists of investment accounts and uncashed checks (interest, remittance, etc.).

"Activity" is defined as action taken on the property (account) by the owner which includes making a deposit or withdrawal, or a correspondence (verbal/written) between the owner and holder (LCEF). The dates associated with these types of activities are recorded and represent an owner's 'claim' to the property.

When an account has met the period of inactivity, LCEF mails a due diligence letter to the owner(s) of the account encouraging the owner(s) to sign and return the letter or to call LCEF about their investment account or check. If no contact is made by the deadline listed in the letter, the account is closed and the proceeds are remitted to the treasurer's office in the state of the owner's last known address. The state is responsible for holding the property until it is delivered to the rightful owner(s).

How do we update the authorized signers for our LCEF investment?

Complete the Investment Signature Authorization Form to add or remove individuals who are able to transact on your investment(s). All authorized signers must sign and provide their personal information. Those listed will replace all previously authorized users for all of the investment accounts listed on the form. The two officers who complete and sign the Officer Authorization section will not be considered an authorized signer unless their signature and personal information is included in the Authorized Signer sections.

Who qualifies as an acceptable officer for the purpose of completing LCEF documents?

Documents requiring an officer's authorization may be completed by any officer who was duly elected by the organization or business they represent and if requested can provide proof of their election through meeting minutes or other legally binding paperwork.

As an existing authorized signer who is not being removed, do I need to sign and complete my information on the Investment Signature Authorization Form?

Yes. The Investment Signature Authorization Form is the "signature card" for the investment accounts listed and replaces the existing form on file with us. Only signatories listed on the current form will be able to transact on the account.

Why does LCEF need my personal information in order for me to be an authorized signer on an organization or business account?

LCEF uses your personal information to verify your identity when you are transacting on behalf of your organization/business. When you call LCEF to discuss the investment, the information representative will ask you questions based on the personal information you have provided to ensure we are communicating with the correct person. When a signer does not provide us with personal information, we are unable to verify his/her identity. Therefore, we may be unable to assist them with phone inquiries or allow enrollment in MyAccount (online financial service).

Be assured that LCEF treats all personal and organization/business information in a secure and confidential manner. Refer to Privacy & Security or contact LCEF at 800-843-5233 with any questions.

Where will my organization/business debit card be mailed?

All organization/business debit cards are mailed to the address of the organization/business. In an emergency, replacement cards can be mailed to the address we have on file for the cardholder. Please contact LCEF at 800-843-5233 for assistance.