Rector’s Remarks for April
In The Book of Common Prayer on page 445 there is a rubric (“rule” for conduct) which directs in this way: “The Minister of the Congregation is directed to instruct the people, from time to time, about the duty of Christian parents to make prudent provision for the well-being of their families, and of all persons to make wills, while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses.”
In doing premarital counseling with couples we talk about the necessity of having wills as their lives change from being single to being a family. I ask those people preparing for marriage to take the time to talk with each other about “end of life” issues, financial concerns and who they wish to receive their assets if they die. By doing this they are ready to visit an attorney and make their wills, and to make sure they have documents reflecting their wishes about “end of life” decisions. It is important that the people we care about do not have to make “uninformed” decisions for us. It is hard for family members or friends to make decisions in the midst of grief. If our instructions are clearly stated and done in a legal way then it gives direction and guidance to those we love.
In the most recent issue of Vestry Papers (March/April 2008) there was a short article by Charles Gearing entitled, “Is yours a Christian will?” Gearing began with a simple statement: “Will your last words to this world express the most important thing about you?” Gearing then suggested the following words might be included in our last statement to those we love, in our will:
I ______, of ________, 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. And as a final act of faith and thanksgiving for all the blessings of my life, I direct that a tithe of __% (or a gift in a specific amount) of my estate be given to ______(The parish of _____) to continue God’s work in the world.
Our lives are in God’s hand and he has provided for us a way that will allow us to live with him forever. How can we offer something back that will provide for God’s work to continue in the world? The money that St. Stephen’s has received from the estates of others has enabled the continuation of ministry in this place. There are many ways to offer gifts in our estate. A lawyer or accountant can help you find the best ways to achieve the goals you have for your assets when you die. Naming St. Stephen’s as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, or life insurance policy or designating a percentage of an IRA, 401 (k), or 403 (b) to the church are all wonderful ways to provide for ministry to go forth in the future. Many of those options do not require a lawyer’s help and can be accomplished by naming St. Stephen’s as a beneficiary. There are many creative ways to provide for continuing ministry at St. Stephen’s. If you wish to talk confidentially about ways you can be a part of the continuing ministry of St. Stephen’s please give me a call.
St. Stephen’s health as a parish is built on your faith and generosity. It is important to return to God part of what God has given us. I am grateful for your continued support of St. Stephen’s.
Martha +