Creating a Legacy for Family and Ministry

Pastor Dick and Margot Woolard can tell you how rewarding planning an estate can be, using the services of Lutheran Planned Giving Services. The Woolards had a “will” long before they met with Lutheran Planned Giving Services.

“After meeting with LPGS, we soon had a Christian will,” Margot Woolard said. “We now have a will that reflects what we believe and includes the ELCA ministries that are important to us.”

Stewardship has been an important part of the Woolards’ life. When serving a struggling mission church in Valley, Pastor Dick and Margot found themselves in the middle of a building project, with the church stressed financially. With three small children and one salary, it was not easy, but Dick asked the church to pay its benevolence before his salary.

“As leaders you feel a responsibility,” the Woolards agreed. “You have to practice what you preach.” After attending a LPGS Seminar at their congregation, the Woolards met with LPGS representatives several times. Lutheran Planned Giving Services helped them develop a plan to give to several ELCA ministries that address their concerns.

“Our ELCA Board of Pension retirement account is like a gift,” Margot said. “We never saw the money that went into it, and it is a pleasure to distribute it amongst our children and the ministries we choose. In addition, it is very easy to get information about our ELCA ministries. We feel very confident about how our money will be used.”

The Woolards are not alone in their positive experience with LPGS as a resource in developing a plan that accurately reflects their personal desires for ministry and family. The Woolards are everyday people who have made a tremendous impact through sharing their gifts of time, talent and treasure.