Gifts in Wills

  

 

I am an individual thinking of leaving a legacy.

Leave a Lasting Legacy
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, but each of us has the opportunity to shape the future. A gift in your will is one of the most powerful ways you can continue supporting the church that has been part of your life’s journey. Long after we are gone, our generosity can continue to nurture faith, welcome new generations, care for our communities and ensure that our churches remain places of hope and prayer.

For many Christians, leaving a gift in their will is a final expression of thanksgiving to God for a lifetime of love and blessing. It is a way of saying, “This church mattered to me, and I want it to be here for those who come after me.”
Whatever the size of the gift, every legacy has the potential to make a lasting difference.

Why Make a Will?

Making a will is one of the kindest things we can do for those we leave behind. It provides clarity, brings peace of mind, and ensures that our wishes are carried out.

As Christians, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the gifts God has entrusted to us and how they can continue to serve others beyond our lifetime. Since the earliest editions of the Book of Common Prayer, the Church has encouraged people to make a will as part of wise and faithful stewardship.

The Church of England has produced a helpful booklet, Why Every Christian Should Have a Will, offering practical guidance and thoughtful reflection.

A Lasting Difference

A short film, A Lasting Difference (click here to view on Youtube), shares the real impact that gifts in wills have on local churches and communities. It explains how a legacy can help ensure that today’s church continues to serve tomorrow’s congregation and neighbourhood.
The film is just over four minutes long and is ideal for showing at a PCC meeting or church gathering.

Download this video as an MP4 file →

Further Resources

Church Legacy
Church Legacy offers practical guidance for anyone considering leaving a gift in their will. It explains the process of making or updating a will, provides information about leaving a gift to your local church, and includes resources for solicitors.
www.churchlegacy.org.uk

Parish Resources
Parish Resources contains a wide range of practical guidance for parishes wishing to encourage and administer gifts in wills, including downloadable resources, policies and best practice.
www.parishresources.org.uk/legacies