| Proverb Story "Go to the ant, you lazybones; consider its ways, and be wise. Without having any chief or officer or ruler. It prepares its food in summer, and gathers its sustenance in harvest. How long will you lie there, O lazybones? When will you rise from your sleep?" Prov. 6:6-10 This proverbial ant knew the importance of preparing for tomorrow. Unfortunately, there are more of us who are like the lazybones than the ant when it comes to planning for the future. Recent studies show that many Americans die without a will or living trust, without a plan for the future of their accumulated gifts and assets. As Christians, the preparation and periodic review of a will is an act of faithful stewardship. A will provides for the distribution of our possessions in keeping with our values and beliefs and ensures that what we have acquired during our life will become available to benefit others after our lifetime.
In the Episcopal Church we believe that a person's estate plan should reflect their values. We have a booklet, "Stewards of Thy Abundance" that provides the information to set up a medical directive, plan a funeral service and write a will or living trust.
We will send you a free copy of this booklet. Simply call us at (800) 366-1536 x290, or email Ben Harrington at benharrington@ladiocese.org
and we will send you a copy. | | | | Real Estate Solution | | How To Sell Income Property and Bypass Gains ...and Receive Income for Your Lifetime Would like to be a "former landlord" rather than a landlord? If that is the case, you can sell the property in a tax-wise way, and receive income for your lifetime. With our no cost support and your professional advisor's guidance, you sell the property within a trust. Once your commercial or residential property is sold you become the beneficiary of trust income for your lifetime. Your landlord troubles are over, and you receive a check every month. Often your income increases. When your life ends, the remainder goes to an Episcopal ministry of your choice. If you would like to learn more about gift plans that can save taxes and benefit you, contact us. We would be pleased to help you receive hassle free income; leave a legacy that would continue past your lifetime. | | | | Annuity Rates are Falling | | Only a Few Days Left... Charitable Gift Annuity Rates Decline On July 1, 2008 Charitable Gift Annuity rates will decline between 3.5% and 8.2% compared to current rates. If you are considering making this type of charitable gift, it is to your benefit to act now. Comparison of Old Versus New Rates Age New Rate Old Rate 60 5.5 5.7 70 6.1 6.5 80 7.6 8.0 85 8.9 9.5 89 10.1 11.0 A simple one-page contract is all that is needed to complete the gift for your lifetime benefit, and ultimately your church or any Episcopal ministry. Contact Ben Harrington at (800) 366-1536 x290 or benharrington@ladiocese.org to receive a free confidential personal illustration of how a charitable gift annuity would benefit you and others.
| | | | | The Diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development and the Program Group on Stewardship Development offer assistance to all churches, schools and agencies within the Diocese. These services are free of charge. Feel free to contact me so I can give you personalized service. Sincerely,
Ben Harrington Missioner for Stewardship and Development 800-366-1536, x290  |  or | | |
