STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES
• What is YOUR church’s recession story?
• Is your estate plan in place?
• New Consecration Sunday
What is YOUR church’s recession story?
The continuing effects of the recession are impacting every sector of society, including churches. Reports of budget cuts and reduced spending are prevalent.
We occasionally hear of creative ways that churches are meeting the challenges of the recession. Is your church:
1. Helping families affected by prolonged unemployment?
2. Ministering to your broader community to care for your neighbors?
3. Using the current social and economic issues as a platform for outreach or ministry?
4. Meeting your budgetary needs or struggling in this environment?
We would love to share how God is at work in your church with the entire Transformation Ministries community. Please tell us your “recession story” so we can share it. Your story is a great way to help others.
Send your story to Steve Roblee or call 800-299-348, extension 879.
Is your estate plan in place?
Estate planning and preparing our affairs prior to death is a critical piece of personal planning neglected by most Americans. It is commonly reported that 70% of Americans don’t have a will, living trust, or estate plan. A common objection to preparing these plans is the cost. However, a living trust is an outstanding bargain when compared to the cost of probate.
In California, all estates with a total value of more than $75,000 are subject to probate. This normally takes a minimum of eighteen months and costs 6% to 7% of the estate in legal and court fees. Probate is expensive and time consuming. Your heirs will bless you for bypassing this process with a living trust.
If you die without a will or living trust, your State has one prepared for you. Are you willing to let the State decide:
• Who your heirs are and how much each of them will receive from your estate?
• Who will care for your minor children, if your spouse doesn’t survive you?
• That your estate will pay taxes as well as legal and court fees – all of which could easily be avoided with estate planning?
• What type of care will be provided, if you have a special needs child?
Transformation Ministries offers a brief seminar that addresses the major issues related to estate planning, including the benefits of a living trust over a will. Not intended as legal advice or a complete guide to estate planning, this seminar will aid participants in asking the most important questions of themselves and their professional advisors so that an appropriate estate plan may be drawn.
For questions on estate planning or to arrange a seminar, contact Steve Roblee at 800-299-348, extension 879.
New Consecration Sunday
New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program materials are available from Cokesbury at a 30% discount from July 1 through August 31, 2010. This discount is available at Cokesbury stores (there is one in Pasadena), on the web (cokesbury.com), or by phone at 800-672-1789.
Cokesbury also offers Irresistible Invitation and Transformed Giving stewardship programs at a 30% discount.