3 Ways to Promote Legacy Giving on All Saints Day
Did you feel that cold air this morning? We took our dog Scout for his walk, and I swear I’d been transported to the Arctic Circle. Granted, I grew up in Southern California and I don’t handle cold all that well. But that first blast of blustery wind and chill had someone passing us saying, “This is a Winnie-the-Pooh kind of day.” Indeed.
Now that I have my parka on along with a balaclava (admittedly, wearing them inside looks a little weird, but I’m COLD), I’m ready to settle down and talk about two of my favorite topics:
Saints and Legacy.
November 1 is the official day to celebrate the saints of your church who have passed away in the last year. This year, I’m heartbroken that my own congregation will be remembering thirteen amazing people. Fran, Sue, Wilbur, Jannelle, and Shirley are among the folk we will memorialize on All Saints Sunday.
If you’re anything like me, the longer you stay connected to your church and the longer you live…the more it seems like you lose people who have had a major impact in your life through the church. It’s a hard reality.
To mark these saints’ importance and their influence is an opportunity not to be missed. Rituals like All Saints Sunday are meaningful. They remind us that simply because the funeral or memorial services are over, these people have not been forgotten. As a community we lift them up and give thanks for their lives.
Likewise, All Saints Sunday is a fabulous opportunity to encourage people to think about leaving a legacy gift to impact the future of your congregation.
Put a reminder in the Bulletin, “Your legacy gift to the church – in your will or trust – can make a difference in the life of the people in this congregation. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.” Bonus: Have your legacy information on your website.
Have legacy brochures available. You can see an example of one from my own church. Make sure the brochures are in a visible spot and are easily accessible.
Post examples so people can see what legacy gifts do for the church. Back in the day, waaaay back in the day, if someone left a financial gift after their passing, their names were listed for everyone to see (I recently saw one of those lists). Maybe it’s time to show what legacy gifts do – from a fresh coat of paint, to camp scholarships, to leadership opportunities, to exceptional music at Christmas – legacy gifts make special things happen…even boring old infrastructure projects. Post that list in the Bulletin or on a poster for all to see.
Don’t let the opportunity pass to celebrate the saints and the legacy gifts many of them have left to your congregation. And don’t forget to remind your people that they too can be part of that great cloud of witnesses who are remembered and thanked for their generosity for generations to come.
Praise God for the saints!
Photo credit: jhovani morales @ pexels.com
Upcoming webinar: Mark your calendar! How to Write Your Best Year-End Letter is coming on Thursday, November 13 from 10-11am. Sign-ups start soon.
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Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. She wants you to hear the classic version of When the Saints Go Marching In with Louis Armstrong. Oh to have him at your funeral!
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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