Ultimate Giving (Planned Giving) "The Easiest Way to Give" Obviously, the easiest form of giving is a bequest. It's easy, because it costs no personal effort or pain -- for it is given only after death. On the other hand, because there is no pain, there is no personal, spiritual gain. However, even though it does not transform us, it may powerfully transform the world we leave behind. So for the good of others and for the glory of God, we should all leave a significant portion of estate for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. All of us should take steps to ensure that the wealth we leave behind is used for good. We should ensure that those who are dependent upon us are cared for through their dependency years, that they are educated and trained for productive, fruitful lives, and that they are established as adults. But experience and history have taught us that too much left to our dependents often hinders their own need to become mature, productive members of society. One solution is for us to determine how much they need, and to ensure that the rest is channeled into other areas. St Marks Episcopal Church was established in the 19th century. Those who started St Marks began something that served their own spiritual needs, certainly. But they left behind both land and a building that has served generations of people those first pioneers never knew. We and many others were the beneficiaries of their generous gift to us. In the 20th century, others expanded the building, and added a parish hall and rectory. Again, this served their own needs, yet we and many others were the beneficiaries of their generous gift to us. Now it is the 21st century, and it is our turn to consider best how to serve the needs of the generations that will follow. Certainly, we have and will continue to work hard to meet the spiritual needs of ourselves, our families, and the community around us. But, following the example of generations that preceded us, we will consider how best to build St Marks for the next hundred years and beyond. It is time that we established a significant Endowment Fund for the ministry of those who follow us. Far-sighted parishioners will see the need for St Marks to have a financial base for the future. Contributions to St Marks Endowment could be in many forms: cash, insurance, stocks, bonds, property -- anything than can has real financial value. Gifts are often made in memory of someone, in honor of a person, for congratulations, in appreciation for a kindness, or in thanksgiving for one of God's blessings. Such endowment gifts are made by the living. But it is very common for the most significant endowments to be established and enhanced by bequests. The rector and certain parishioners of St Marks have already stipulated in their Last Will and Testament that a specific portion of their estate should be given to St Marks upon their deaths. They hope that a significant endowment for the future of St Marks will be established long before they die, and that their gifts will only enhance that endowment. They invite you to do the same. You might even wish to become part of the All Saints Legacy Society, established by the Diocese of Maryland. This is a Society of those who have included their parish, the Diocese or some other Episcopal institution in their wills. To do so, download the form by clicking here. Becoming Engaged as a Faithful Steward! Click here for a Pledge Form You may email your pledge to St Marks, attention: Stewardship Committee either by attaching your completed pledge form to the email or by copying the pledge into the body of the email Click here to become a member of the All Saints Legacy Society Click here for the list of roles and functions for which we need volunteers Giving: The Truth shall set you Free" Idea 1: Open, Honest, Faithful Talk about Giving Idea 2: Open, Honest, Faithful Talk about Stewardship Idea 3: Open, Honest, Faithful Talk At a Dinner Party Idea 4: Open, Honest, Faithful Talk About Ultimate (Planned) Giving An Invitation from the Rector Washington Post: Front Page Article Make a Pledge to St Marks Make a Donation to St Marks