January 2016

I regularly lead Leaving Your Faith Legacy workshops, and I always remind participants that if they don't have a will, their state has written one for them, and it may or may not reflect their wishes. Writing a will (or a living trust, which is a will substitute) and keeping it current, is a gift to the people you love. You can have peace of mind knowing you are not putting family members in the position of making difficult decisions at an already difficult time. A power of attorney and an advanced directive, also referred to as a living will, are supporting documents that allow you to say who you want to make decisions on your behalf in the event you aren't able, and what kind of healthcare you want at the end of your life.

Although a holographic (handwritten) will is legal in most states, the value of an attorney's guidance during this process should not be underestimated. A referral from a friend or another advisor, or your state's bar association website, is a good way to find either a general attorney, for a simple will, or a tax and estates attorney for a more complex one. Many attorneys will hold the first meeting on a complimentary basis and then quote a fee determined by the scope of work indicated. Certain types of assets and unique family situations add complexity, and may require a higher fee.

The Presbyterian Foundation has several resources to help those going through the estate planning process for the first time, or those updating an existing plan. Our Guide to a Christian Will explains key terms and concepts, including that of making a charitable bequest. Most planned gifts, or legacy gifts, are the result of a bequest under a will, and many Presbyterian churches have been the grateful beneficiaries.

The Foundation's Estate Planning Worksheet is an information gathering vehicle that allows individuals or couples to get organized prior to a visit to the attorney's office, and our Personal Record Book tells family members where important documents and information are located. These and other publications are available at no cost on our website, PresbyterianFoundation.org.

And please don't forget to reach out to your Ministry Relations Officer. We are available and eager to support you in all areas of your funds ministry.

Blessings,
Sherry Hester Kenney

John and Susan Baker* had been members at First Presbyterian since 1974. They were quiet, faithful attenders, but never big givers. They lived frugally, liked to travel, and had no children. Susan passed away first, leaving John a widower. When John passed in March 2013, one of his nieces mentioned that John and Susan had remembered the church in their will. Six months later, the church was pleasantly surprised to learn that they had left 30% of their estate, or $427,000 to First Presbyterian.

As we testify, as we demonstrate our own stewardship, and as we challenge others, we may not know the impact that we have. Our efforts may bear fruit years, or even decades, later.

*To protect anonymity, the actual names have been changed.

Stewardship Kaleidoscope is a conference for Presbyterians and offers real tools for real ministry. With more than 34 workshops and presentations, Kaleidoscope offers opportunities to learn and share ways to create a giving spirit in your church community. The Presbyterian Foundation and New Covenant Trust Company are premier ambassador sponsors and have staff members leading the following workshops:

• Asset-Based Stewardship for the Small Congregation
• Creating a Culture of Generosity
• Endowments 101
• Stewardship and Philanthropy in Multiracial and Multicultural Communities
• Practical Planned Giving 101
• Fostering Generosity as a Spiritual Discipline
• What Does an Effective Generosity Team Look Like
• Electronic Giving: The Tools
• Planned Giving: 25 Ideas to Get You to the Next Level
• Courageous Generosity Leadership – The Pastor's Role
• Legacy Gifts: Making a Difference … Forever!
• Donor-Advised Funds – What Stewardship Leaders Should Know
• Transformation of Congregational Stewardship: A Real-Life Example
• Narrative Budgets: Making the Transition from Line Items to Changed Lives