St. Paul Community News

Sunflower Box

     With the unusually hard winter we have already experienced and more to come most probably, the Clothing Closet is asking for warm clothing.  Gently used coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, gloves, hats, scarves, boots are just a few things that would be greatly appreciated.  Please do not bring out-of-season clothes!  The space at St. Mark’s is very limited and storing anything not in season presents a problem for the staff.  Although they gratefully accept all donations at any time, they are most appreciative of those who are able to wait for the appropriate season to donate.    

LET YOUR WILL BE A TESTAMENT

             We often use the term, “last will and testament,” when referring to the legal document that is our will.  But why is a will also a testament?

             While the word testament in the legal sense refers to the disposition of property by a will, in a more general sense it also refers to a “tangible proof or tribute,” or to an “expression of conviction.”

When working with your attorney to prepare your will or other estate planning documents, consider adding a Christian Preamble to emphasize your “expression of conviction.”  Ask your attorney whether you might include language such as the following:  In thanksgiving to God for the gift of life, given in Baptism, and for the many blessings which God has showered upon me; and in thanksgiving to God for the gifts of faith and hope through Jesus Christ; and in thanksgiving to God for the gifts of nurture and love through the church where we have shared faith and fellowship; I now commend my loved ones to grow in this same faith, being true to their own Baptism, knowing that God will continue to provide for them in their lifetime; I encourage them to place their faith and trust in our Lord and Savior.

A complete copy of a Christian Preamble for your will is available by contacting Barbara Carl at 724-438-7741, or the ELCA Foundation at 8—-638-3522 ext. 2970.

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