Legacy Planning
All Saints’ grounds are a living testament to years of faithful stewardship – nurtured by many hands, countless hours of work, and a deep love for God’s creation. Trees shade our pathways, beautify our space and are carefully tended by the Creation Care ministry. Over the years, they have planted, pruned, watered, and – when necessary – removed trees that had reached the end of their life, always planning with care for the seasons ahead.
Just as we tend to the grounds of All Saints’, we are also called to tend to our personal legacies – with thoughtfulness, love, and responsibility. As faithful stewards of all God’s gifts, we are called not only to live with purpose, compassion, and integrity, but also to prepare wisely for what we will one day leave behind.
Creating a will, establishing a medical advance directive, and making financial plans are not merely practical matters – they are deeply spiritual acts. These decisions reflect our values, our priorities, and our care for the people and communities we cherish. By planning ahead, we ease the burden on loved ones during times of grief and ensure our legacy supports what matters most – our families, our church, and the causes that embody our Christian faith.
August is National Make a Will Month – an ideal time to create or review your will. Why is this so important? A will is a powerful document. It ensures that your property is distributed according to your wishes and protects your loved ones after you pass away. More than that, it provides peace of mind for you and clarity for your family during what may be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Through your will, you can also create a legacy that continues your impact long after you’re gone.
Leaving a gift in your will costs nothing during your lifetime, yet it has the power to bless future generations. Including All Saints’ in your legacy is a beautiful, enduring way to support our worship, outreach, and transformative ministries – continuing your faith journey even beyond your lifetime.
Sadly, only about one-third of American adults have a will in place. The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) offers a free, secure way to help you take this important step. Through a partnership with Giving Docs, ECF provides online legacy planning tools at no cost. These tools make it easy to plan your legacy in a safe and secure way, reflecting your values, and extending your impact to the ministries you care about most. To get started, Click Here or visit www.ecf.org and click the blue PLAN MY EPISCOPAL LEGACY box on the top left of the webpage.
Jesus often spoke of the importance of being prepared – both spiritually and practically – for the time when we will meet God. Planning now is an act of faith, love, and hope. I invite you to approach it not with fear, but with anticipation. These preparations are a witness to a life lived in gratitude and love, and a lasting gift of peace for those we will one day leave behind.
Blessings,
Nancy+