A history of generosity
For over 150 years St John’s has been sharing the good news of Jesus with people in our local area and partnering in God’s mission throughout the world. This is only possible through the generosity of our church members, including through bequests. The church hall was built through a generous bequest by George Pizzey who left 1000 shares in his leather manufacturing business to St John’s following his death in 1915. Today we are the beneficiaries of this generous gift from the past. Today we also have an opportunity to give generously for ministry into the future. As the bible reminds us ‘God loves a cheerful giver’ (2 Corinthians 9:7). The local church is God’s way of bringing his love and salvation to a world that desperately needs it.
Leaving a Bequest in your will
The Apostle Paul encourages us ‘to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share’ (1 Timothy 6:18). As Christians, we are God’s stewards, entrusted to use God’s gifts for building his kingdom and providing for our loved ones. Making a will and keeping it up to date is part of being a good steward. It ensures our wishes will be carried out after our death, giving us peace of mind that we can continue to support our family, friends, our church family and the causes we love.
A bequest is an instruction in your will to leave a gift (money, property or other asset) to a specific person or organisation. We recommend that you seek legal advice when writing your will, and that you should discuss your will with your relatives or loved ones. If you have already made your will, you or your solicitor can easily add St John’s as a beneficiary through a short legal amendment to your existing will (also known as a codicil).
Types of Bequests
There are three types of bequests:
1. A set amount of money (a pecuniary bequest)
2. A share of your estate (a residuary bequest)
3. A specific asset e.g. property, artworks or shares (a specific bequest)
Suggested Wording
I give to St John’s Anglican Church, Diamond Creek, ABN 24 207 330 346,
for its general purpose
OR with a request that it be applied for the specific purpose as stated here: [specify the request]
free from all duties
the sum of $____________
OR the following ________%
OR the following item/s [specify the items]
and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or public officer for the time being will be a sufficient discharge to my trustees.
Getting Advice
Wills are legal documents, and we recommend seeking independent advice, including legal advice and taxation advice, when drafting your will.
For a confidential discussion about remembering St John’s in your will please contact our Senior Minister, Tim Johnson, at our office on (03) 9438 1264 or office@stjohnsdc.org.au.
We would be most grateful, once you have confirmed your intent, to advise us of your decision so we can note this for our records.