This sermon is the third in the stewardship series, and it focuses on how we can continue our stewardship beyond our death by remembering the church in our will.
In the last year or so, the congregation I serve has received significant funds in three different ways: two members (husband and wife) remembered the church by stipulating that 10% (a tithe, remember) of their estate go to the church. Another member had previously established a charitable annuity, which means that years ago money we put into an annuity that paid out to the member each year, with the remainder going to the church at the member's death. A third gift arrived through the generosity of a member's family, who chose to give a gift out of the estate. Those are three varied examples of members have witnessed to their and supported the church through their giving after their deaths.
In his will, the American patriot Patrick Henry wrote, “I have now disposed of all my property to my family; there is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion. If they had this, and I had not given them one shilling, they would be rich; but if they had not that, and I have given them all the world, they would be poor.” This quote taken from resources provided by Presbyterian Foundation for Wills Emphasis
http://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/PresbyterianFoundation/media/PresbyterianFoundation/Wills%20Emphasis%20Program/Sermon-1-WE-2009-new-logo.pdf
We cannot ensure that our family members who survive us will claim the faith that we have; we can help ensure that the work of the church continues to provide opportunities for our family members and others after we are gone by providing support for the church in our wills.
I keep thinking about what a powerful witness it must be for families to discover that their loved one has remembered their church in their will.
The portion of Psalm 49 we read is a reminder that we cannot take our wealth with us.
The parable in Luke is often known as the Parable of the Rich Fool. IN some ways, it fits well with the sermon because it makes the point that at our death all that we are accumulated means nothing. On the other hand, it seems a bit contradictory because it argues against storing up our wealth while on earth. Of course, in order to have something to give back after our death suggests that we have accumulated something during our life!
The word generosity continues to pop up in my thoughts; it seems to be a word that connects all the sermons in this series.
Peace,
Richard
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