May 2, 2021
Caroline Davis Rourk (Provided)
Caroline Davis Rourk has been a member of her church for her entire life. It’s a place of hope, friendship and a place that challenges her spiritually. And it’s a place that she wants to be around for generations to come.
That’s why she decided to leave a gift to her congregation in her estate. She is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Durham, North Carolina.
She’s part of a growing number of Presbyterians who have left gifts to the church through life insurance proceeds, beneficiaries of retirement plans, wills, estates and trusts.
“I’ve pledged and tithed my entire life to my church, but I’ve never felt like I could give as much as I wanted to,” Rourk says. “By leaving a gift to the church in my will, I can give them what I wasn’t able to during my lifetime. And that’s really important to me.”
Watch a video about First Presbyterian’s legacy giving program here.
You, too, can leave a legacy to support the ministry of your congregation, ensuring the congregation that has nurtured your spiritual life and served your community thrives for generations to come.
Please consider making a gift to your church or ministry that tells the story of your hope in Christ.
Each will is unique and must be structured to fit the needs and estate plans of each individual in accordance with the laws of the state in which they live. For this reason, you should consult a lawyer to assist you in drafting your will and estate plan.
The Presbyterian Foundation is able to assist congregations and church members who are ready to think about how to share all that God has given to us. Your Ministry Relations Officer can help. You can find yours at presbyterianfoundation.org/mro.
Robyn Davis Sekula, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at the Presbyterian Foundation, Ruling Elder in the PC(USA) and Member of Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, May 2, 2021, the Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year B)
First Reading Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 22:25-31
Second Reading 1 John 4:7-21
Gospel John 15:1-8
Today’s Focus: Legacy Giving Sunday
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Bintou Jalloh, Board of Pensions
Ellie Johns-Kelley, Presbyterian Foundation
Let us pray:
Dear God, teach us to be generous with all that we have, which all comes from you. Help us to discern the best path in caring for all that has been entrusted to us. Teach us to hear your call. Amen.
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