VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/8/19)—American Baptist congregations throughout the U.S. have a special opportunity on February 17, 2019, Christian Legacy Sunday, to emphasize the advantages of creating estate plans that come from the heart. Such plans can provide increased financial stability for one’s biological and church families. They are also ways to support the wider ministries of American Baptist regions, the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist International Ministries, and other mission endeavors fulfilled by American Baptist institutions like colleges, seminaries, and homes.

Celebrating Christian Legacy Sunday is encouraged by the American Baptist Foundation, which was established more than 30 years ago to assist dedicated Christians to financially support American Baptist ministries and mission beyond their lifetimes. This can be done through actions as writing a will, funding an annuity, giving an outright gift, and establishing a trust.

During the season of Valentine’s Day when hearts are abundant in stores, on television, and through greeting cards, pastors can preach on Christian Legacy Sunday about God’s love through Chris that can be sustained as congregants make estate plans. On that Sunday “heart scriptures” can be used like:

The Rev. Perkin F. Simpson, Executive Director of the American Baptist Foundation, says: “If sports teams that consistently win championships can be said to have a legacy, it is that much more important for us who are recipients of God’s grace through Christ to be encouraged on Christian Legacy Sunday to make estate plans that will ensure the spread of the Good News message for generations to come!”

For more information click HERE.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.