Chris Nelson

Chris Nelson

Chris Nelson earned her Spiritual Direction certificate in 2022, and was Director of Seminary Advancement from 2013-2018, both which amplify her experience as a donor and supporter.

“As someone who sought gifts for the organizations I worked for, it is thrilling to be on the other side of the table and able to give more substantially to the missions I love. And as one of the few dual-employed staff members, I was able to see firsthand how giving directly impacts the lives of university and seminary students,” she shared. “Their excitement at receiving scholarships, the relief this meant for their and their family’s efforts to pay for their education, and their determination to make the most of their education and impact on our world was truly inspiring. Also as a United Church of Christ ordained minister, I am excited that Moravian took on the challenge of supporting Lancaster Theological Seminary.”

Accustomed to giving annually and on Day of Giving, Chris recently became a legacy donor as well. “Since retiring and reaching the appropriate age to receive required minimum distributions (RMDs) from my IRAs, I make Qualified Charitable Donations (QCDs),” she explained. “A wonderful bonus is gifts given directly to nonprofit entities are not taxed as income and receive charitable tax donation credits—a two-for-one action that gives me such joy because I am able to make more substantial gifts than I ever could previously with my RMD monies.”

Chris’s personal motto is “Do all the good you can, anytime you can,” something she certainly lives us to. “I am passionate about supporting Moravian because Moravian continues to grow and develop to gauge what is needed in our communities and world and address those needs.”