UCC celebrates Make-a-Will month and offers free will-writing tool

This August, the United Church of Christ is celebrating Make-A-Will Month by providing a free will-writing tool.

This is a collaboration between National Ministries, Pension Boards and FreeWill. It’s time to be caring stewards of family, finances and faith. Nearly two-thirds of American adults don’t have a will, and this program empowers community members to fervently plan for their future and protect their loved ones.

Ability to care for loved ones

“The pension funds made the initial investment in the program and the national ministries provide the staff to make these resources available to all members across the UCC,” said Andrew Warner, UCC generosity officer. “It’s about empowering people with legal planning tools to take care of their loved ones.”

There are no upfront costs – these are covered by the pension committees.

Warner said it was “more complicated than using Amazon, but should only take about 20 minutes and it’s easy to save progress as you work through the online program.”

Many people use the tool as a starting point and then have it reviewed by their own attorney. In addition to a legally valid will, the program also offers the creation of living wills and durable financial powers of attorney. It can also be modified over time.

Legacy of Love

There are more than 2,300 verses in the Bible that deal with budgeting, generosity, and financial management. The Bible talks more about generosity and money than any other subject, except love. Making a will and leaving a personal legacy can be a great act of love, according to Warner.

When using the program to create a will, there is an opportunity to strongly consider including a donation to the UCC, although it is not required. Gifts can be made to a church, a conference, UCC National Ministries, or specific causes.

“This will strengthen our ministries and our church family for generations to come,” Warner said. “It’s an opportunity to help churches at the local level and make any other donations someone would like to make.”

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