Each one of us wants our lives to matter. We desire to make a difference in the lives of our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our church. We want to leave a legacy.
If you’ve ever known someone to have changed your life or this world for the better, it is almost certainly through their generosity—the way they give of themselves or their time or their financial capacity. Their legacy is not so much what they have done, but who they were. For we do not change this world first by doing, but by choosing to be in some particular way. All of this is to say quite simply: leaving a legacy is a matter of the heart.
This coming year, Parish of the Epiphany will establish and strengthen a Legacy Society, which will be dedicated to ensuring the future ministry and mission of our parish. There can be little doubt that our strength today is directly connected to the planned generosity of those who have come before us. Whether it is through the generosity of Sunday School teachers caring for and nurturing our young ones in the faith, choristers leading us in song and worship and raising our spirits, or the passionate parishioner calling us into deeper service and advocacy for justice in our community—we all play a part in leaving a legacy here at Epiphany. Through planning your legacy gift, you can continue to honor this passion and commitment to the transformational work of Epiphany in the world beyond your lifetime. If Epiphany is worth your living now, then surely Epiphany is worth a planned gift that will leave and sustain your legacy. The legacy we leave behind speaks of the faith, hope, and love that we desire to pass on.
I am excited for this new chapter in helping create a strong, vibrant, and faithful Epiphany. Not simply for our own good and growth, but for the life of the world. Indeed, Jesus Christ reminds us that our legacy as the church must be: “they will know you by your love." In the coming years, we invite you to plan and leave a legacy in the name of God’s love as we strive, always, to make love our aim. Your planned giving can and will make a difference in this world.
Rev. Nick Myers
