Each of us, whenever we move on to a new job, school, house or home, leaves a part of us "behind." That which remains of us after we're gone is called our "legacy." This legacy included the way we are remembered, the way our presence continues to be felt, the impact we have on those left behind; in general, the way our departure can become a blessing or a curse for others. I've always been a proponent of leaving a place better than the way I found it.

One of the wonderful ways that St. Paul's is experience 'legacy' these days is by the creation of St. Paul's Foundation Group and the generosity of our members. While reaping the benefits of Wills and Bequests has been a part of St. Paul's life since the 1960's, the new millennium has brought an intentional desire to build the financial future of St. Paul's mission. Recently, through the efforts of the newly formed Foundation Group, member families have been directly encouraged to include St. Paul;'s in their estate planning. Referred to as 'Legacy Gifts,' the plan of 'gifting' to St. Paul;s can take various forms; life insurance and annuities, wills and bequests, real estate or cash. A Foundation Group member can present a complete explanation. Legacy Gifts are a fitting way to leave a place better than the way it was found.

Happily, I can report that, since the efforts of ST. Paul;s Foundation Group began in 2002, $280,000 of Legacy Gifts have been received! As many as 19 member families have welcomed the Foundation Group into their homes, to explore appropriate ways to bless our congregation with legacy planning. St. Paul's Heritage Society, established in 2003, exists for the expressed purpose of recognizing and honoring those families and individuals who have committed such gifts. To date, 21 persons have been inducted into the Heritage Society. Their names are engraved on the newly hung Heritage Society plaque in the Church Narthex.

This Spring, ST. Paul's Foundation Group received three new Legacy Gifts: two estate gifts (Helen Igoe and Elsie Foeliner), and a gift from grace and Edward Morlock. In the note accompanying the Morlock gift, Grace wrote to me,

"Over the years St. Paul's Church has had a very positive effect on our family, for which we are grateful. We hope it will continue its ;mission in Olney for many years to come."

Thanks, Grace and Ed, for those promising words. And thanks to all the families who have already made the commitment to bless the future of St. Paul's with a Legacy Gift!

Have you included St. Paul's Church in your will? The next Heritage Society induction will occur during the 135th Anniversary Banquet on November 13. Ken Hayes or I are eager to speak with you about the 'legacy of your life.'

Pastor Kopp

 Sunday Services:
Members, guests and visitors, all are welcome!

Rev. Rodney S. Kopp, Pastor
Wayne Lutz, Church Administrator
Karl Schneider, Shut-InMinistry
Sheila D. Booker, Director of Music
Rebecca Ehrlich, Parish Associate

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5900 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA. 19120
Phone: 215-424-4800 | Fax:215-424-4805
E-mail: admin@StPaulsLutheranChurchOnLine.Org

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