Trinity has been fortunate that some of its members have been able to remember the church and its works by leaving a legacy of a financial gift. This has helped Trinity to maintain its current programs and to have a minimal level of security for the future as operating costs such as electricity, heat, salaries, benefits and ongoing repairs continue to climb.
Unfortunately, without proper planning, some of these heartfelt gestures have not produced the results the gift-givers may have hoped for, creating unanticipated legal fees and tax costs.
As faithful stewards of the church, members should learn how to best maximize these planned gifts by exploring the online resources of the planned giving programs recommended by the Episcopal Church Foundation. Its financial planning experts understand the complexities of this process, particularly for those who have much to give, or who may benefit tax-wise in their retirement years by participating in certain plans.
Trinity is extremely grateful for the remembrances of the people who have built it, and those who comprise it. In order to protect and increase these funds, it has established a secure accounting system that is audited annually by an independent CPA following established Episcopal business guidelines. Trinity is also developing a set of policies for Planned Giving, which will be available in the near future.
Do You Have A Christian Will?
(From the ECF Vestry Papers)
by Charles Gearing
Will your last words to this world express the most important thing about you? Consider beginning your will with this statement:
I, ______________________ (name), of _________________________ (address) do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament.
I believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ. I am secure in God’s love for me and am confident of everlasting life procured for me through the life, passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I leave those who survive me the comfort of knowing that I have died in this faith and now am with my Lord in eternal glory.
And as a final act of faith and thanksgiving for all of the blessings of my life, I direct that a tithe of 10 percent of my estate be given to ___________________ (the parish) to continue God’s work in the world.
