That’s right! August is National Make-a-Will month. Having a will is a final expression of gratitude to God for the blessings of life and a meaningful way to witness to one’s faith even after death. But the truth is, more than 50% of American adults do not have a will or estate plan. As Episcopalians, we are called to make wills.
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.
Book of Common Prayer. p. 445.
Start with free resources such as ECF and Free Will, that all you to create a draft of a will. Then, meet with an attorney to help assist in the later stages of the process and finalize paperwork. If you would like to know more about those resources, please contact Jane Lampo or Amy Amason. There are several resources about wills on the Stewardship Commission page of the diocesan website. Click below to find one of our resources.
We encourage you to take time this August to begin the process of making your will or updating your current one by making thoughtful decisions about the distribution of your assets, providing for family and friends, and leaving a legacy that supports the Church and other ministries that are important to you.
Blessings,
The Stewardship Commission
