Legacy: What will you leave behind?

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, God, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” —King David, 1 Chronicles 29:14

We are stewards of God’s bounty. Caretakers. For a brief period we are given time, energy, and resources. What we do with these gifts ultimately defines the character of our life and the depth of our spiritual understanding.

CITF has identified June as a month we acknowledge our responsibility of mindfully determining our financial legacy. We were able to do that in a most focused and celebratory way this month: First Sunday—celebrate with Stevenson School the creation of a tangible legacy of an academic scholarship in honor of Rev. Dr. William Rolland. Second Sunday—welcome new members who remind us what we do here is not only for those are present now but others who will follow. Third Sunday—the opportunity to leave a legacy of love to those closest to us, thank-you, Shary Farr!! Fourth Sunday –we celebrate Christian baptism as Justiss Elizabeth Pryer is baptized into God’s family, a strong reminder of our responsibility to the future.

Planned giving is one expression of the wise use of the personal resources God has entrusted to us.  With gratitude, we express our trust in God’s future, by being intentional about the legacies we leave for those who follow us. Every gift counts. Here is a testimonial of one of our members regarding this important discipline:

I first attended Church in the Forest in 1992, soon after arriving on the Monterey Peninsula. From the first service I attended, to this very day, I was, and continue to be, captivated by 3 things: first by the congregation’s warmth and extended hands of “welcome.” The sincerity and intimate connection of fellowship I continue to encounter at CitF. Second, I was attracted by the messages from the pulpit, each have a distinct style, but all were/are positive, intelligent, uplifting and always had just the soupçon of what I need at that moment. I’ll never know how they do that! Third, there is this inspiring and magical place where we worship. Who would not be filled with the Spirit and stimulated when sitting in your pew, and looking out at our special place in the forest. Fellowship, Message, Place- what more could you ask for in a church-home? This is something we must protect and pass on to those who follow us.

So why do we support The Legacy Circle and include it in our Estate Plan? Sheila and I believe in “paying it forward” by doing our small part to make this worship experience available to future generations. I’d like to know that this church and all it embodies will still be around for our children’s children’s children. A consistent flow of legacy gifts will help ensure that the future needs of the Church will be met and that others will be able to experience the same feelings of joyousness and comfort that we have felt. It’s so easy to do; just speak to your Attorney or Financial Advisor. It can be in any amount you feel comfortable in bequeathing, and it remains strictly private. Please consider acting on this today.  

Dick & Sheila Crowell