A number of folks through the years here at St. John's have asked me about funeral planning, "Did I have any resources the Church might have as to leaving information to those who will have the obligation or privilege of taking care of my estate when I die." A while back, I might have said, "Not really."
But not too long ago I made up a booklet about Funeral Planning with a worksheet. The guide gives checklists of things to be considered, and a basic information sheet to fill in about your wishes. It has suggestions for scripture readings, music, church charges for both members and non-members, information on the columbarium as well as some ways you might want to include St. John's, Hopewell in the final distribution of your estate. (There is a separate booklet for your consideration of such gifts to the church.)
Every once in a while clergy are expected to inform the congregation, especially 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." p. 445 - Book of Common Prayer
So it is with holy expectation that you might take a look and follow the booklet in the link, filling out all prudent information, and once done, we will make a copy for you and place it in a file here at the church office for your family, executor, or administrator to know your wishes when the time has come for you to enter a new life in God's Kingdom. Click the box below to take you to the Funeral Planning Guide and Worksheet.
Another crucial way to help St. John's carry forward its mission and ministry is to take a look at the booklet, Gifts to the Church: Planned Giving & Stewardship Information. Click on the button below to take you to the booklet for you to download:
I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to work on this no matter your age or your health. This can insure that your wishes might be fulfilled knowing that all things are taken care beforehand so your family will not have to worry about what to do.
Thank you for this opportunity for me to share with you information on Last Things, Beforehand.
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