CREATE A LEGACY
To Grow the Ministries of the Parishes in the Diocese of East Tennessee

As the loving, extravagant Giver, God surely finds pleasure in human generosity. When we act as faithful stewards of our many gifts, we claim the image of God within us. Therefore, I give thanks for the Legacy Society that offers us opportunities to live into who we are called to be — givers, in God's image.

— The Right Reverend Charles G. vonRosenberg, Bishop

What is a Planned Gift?

Any gift made during a lifetime as part of ones estate, whether by Will, a trust or other means.

What is the Ministry of Planned Giving?

It is a ministry of guidance and stewardship that can assist you in end of life preparation and estate planning. It is also raising awareness about how our spiritual legacy is intertwined with our financial legacy.

Why Make a Planned Gift?

The church teaches that everything we have is a gift from God. Careful management of financial assets should include plans for orderly disposition at death. The legacy we leave for the church is a witness to our faith and will help ensure that the ministry of the church will continue after we are gone. When you name your church, the diocese, or an Episcopal institution as the beneficiary of a planned gift, typically those assets will be placed in an endowment fund of that congregation or institution. Earnings from endowments are used for mission and ministry beyond the normal operating budget, and in accordance with any specific designations you may choose to make.

Planned Giving refers to gifts made from assets accumulated during one's lifetime. Usually these gifts are part of an overall estate plan and are typically made by:

• A Will
  Providing for family first, the church and other charities through a bequest in one's Last Will and Testament
• A Charitable Remainder Trust
  Allows the donor to receive income for life while making a major gift to the Church
• A Gift of Life Insurance
  Making the church the named beneficiary of an existing policy, or purchasing a new policy and making the Church the named beneficiary
• A Gift of Property
  Allowing assets such as securities, objects of value and real estate to be transferred to the church, often with significant tax advantages
• A Gift of Retirement Assets
  Making the Church the beneficiary of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

What is the Legacy Society?

It is an organization created by the Diocese of East Tennessee to honor the act of giving to God and assuring the future of our service to people in Christ's name. It provides an opportunity to commend and graciously thank those who have made a financial commitment in their estate plan for the mission of the church. The Legacy Society does not raise funds. Money from a planned gift goes directly from you to the beneficiary church or institution.

Who are the members of the Legacy Society?

Any person who has made a provision in their estate plan for a congregation, the Diocese, or an Episcopal Institution is eligible to be enrolled, as are persons making a current gift to any Episcopal endowment fund. By allowing your name to be added to the rolls of the Legacy Society, your gift will stand quietly as a witness now and to future generations. Please join the hundreds of members from across the Diocese by asking for A Legacy Society Enrollment Form. An enrollment form can be obtained from your priest or from Lynn Lazlo at the Diocesan House. Your witness to your faith and the future of the church is important, and we would like to acknowledge your thoughtfulness.

There is no gift too small.

If you have already made provisions for a planned gift, we are deeply grateful. In order for us to to thank you and enroll you in the Legacy Society, we ask that you contact Lynn Lazlo at the Diocesan House and a form will be mailed to your home. If you have considered making a planned gift to the church and would like to receive a brochure about Planned Giving, indicate your interest and speak with your rector or Planned Giving Committee member.

The Diocese of East Tennessee
814 Episcopal School Way
Knoxville, Tennessee 37932

Diocese of East Tennessee Planned Giving Committee