A message from the rector
As a church architect, general contractor, and priest, I have always admired those who labored to build the great cathedrals. They often worked for decades knowing that the completion would come beyond their lifetimes. They had faith that others would pick up what they started and complete the magnificent house of worship they all envisioned. When you think about leaving your legacy, I ask you to think about how including St. James in your estate plans can be your cathedral work. Supporting St. James in this way, as those who came before us did, can be a testament to your faith that our church will continue to be a home and haven for our neighborhood and beyond well into the future.
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The Rev. Canon Cindy Evans Voorhees
Rector, St. James the Great Episcopal Church
Why make a planned gift to St. James?
Everyone can help protect the legacy of St. James for years to come by including St. James in their estate plans.
Sue Rawlings
“Jerry and I discussed making St. James a part of our estate giving. We felt it was the right thing to do for a church we cared so much about. It was easy and we felt a sense of peace after we did it. Every parishioner should consider it.”
Meg Cooper & Jackie Freeman
“We felt that giving this way to St. James is the right thing to do. We have been very fortunate in our lives, and we want our legacy to be about making sure St. James thrives and is a resource for this community and the world for generations.”
Common types of planned gifts
Planned giving can reduce estate taxes and increase the value of your estate, ensuring your assets go to the people and organizations you value most.
There are several ways you can include St. James in your estate plans. Here are just a few of the simple ways you can leave a lasting legacy with a tax-advantaged gift beyond your lifetime:
- Include an outright gift to St. James in your will, leaving a fixed gift amount or a percentage of
your estate - Name St. James to receive the residue of your estate, after bequests for loved ones have been fulfilled.
- Name St. James as beneficiary of all or a portion of your retirement account [401(k), 403(b), or IRA, etc.].
- Name St. James as beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
- Real estate
- Stocks and appreciated assets
Join the St. James Admiral Society
The St. James Admiral Society is a group of individuals and couples who have stepped forward to protect the future of St. James by including the church in their estate plans. The St. James Admiral Society Endowment Fund was established to receive, invest and administer bequests and charitable gifts to the parish. The purpose of the Admiral Society Endowment Fund is to preserve and expand the work of the parish, including providing cash to maintain the substantial property and facilities and ensure their survival for future generations.
Want to know more about how to leave a lasting legacy to St. James? Contact information is further down this page. Let’s have coffee and talk through options!
Want to learn about the benefit of leaving a lasting legacy and the consequences of no plan?
If you’re interested in exploring a potential planned gift to St. James, or even just interested in learning about the various options, we want to have a conversation with you. Contact one of us to arrange a time to have a conversation tailored to your individual situation and desires.
Scott Garrepy
Admiral Society Endowment Fund Chair
stewardship@stjamesnewport.org
The Rev. Canon Cindy Evans Voorhees
Rector, St. James the Great Episcopal Church
949.675.0210, ext. 204 • revcindy@stjamesnewport.org
Donna Phillips
Admiral Society Endowment Fund Board Member
Meg Cooper
Vestry Member and Admiral Society Endowment Fund Board Member
Sample bequest language
1. Percentage of Total Estate for unrestricted purposes
I hereby give and bequeath ____ percent (%) of my total estate to St. James Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3973.
2. Percentage of Residual for unrestricted purposes
I hereby give and bequeath ____ percent (%) of the rest and residue of my estate to St. James Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3973.
3. Specific Amount for unrestricted purposes
I hereby give and bequeath the sum of $_________ to St. James Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3973.
4. Specific Amount for specific purposes
I hereby give and bequeath the sum of $_________ to be used for _____________________________________ at St. James Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3973.
5. Contingent Bequest
In the event that my spouse predeceases me, the Trustee shall distribute $_________ to St. James Episcopal Church, Newport Beach, 3209 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663-3973.
