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Next week, October 20 to 26, is Estate Planning Awareness Week.  That may be of particular interest to us as Methodists, since the Book of Discipline asks each church to “Emphasize the need for adults of all ages to have a will and an estate plan and provide information on the preparation of those to the members of the congregation…..

September is an odd month.  It used to be the start of school, but now school starts in August.  We used to think, “Fall” right after Labor Day.  And Fall does start on the calendar later this month.  It’s just not feeling much like Fall weather as I write this.  And at Goodyear’s elevation, no leaves are turning color….

When we do an estate planning presentation for churches, we often use a quiz to get folks asking questions and talking.  Some of those questions address having a will.  Every study or survey comes up with a different number…

For the Fourth of July holiday earlier this month, I hope you enjoyed fireworks, family, friends, fun, and excellent food.  The Fourth was also an important day for the charitable sector.  President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) on that day…

I am often asked if we can help churches raise money for their endowment.  We can certainly give you guidance and help you structure a campaign.  However, today I’m going to offer an idea that will help grow your endowment in the future.  Not today.  Not tomorrow.  But in a few years if you adopt this plan, you will have a steady stream of income to build your fund and support your congregation, its programs and outreach, and its facilities for a sustainable future.  Here’s the plan…

 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

We are all familiar with the fifth Commandment.  And with May being the month of Mother’s Day and June being the month of Father’s Day, this might be a good time to reflect on honoring parents with our gifts….