Jesus commands us: "Love your neighbor as yourself." The stories of those we interviewed put this loving at the heart of what it means to be generous. We hope that you will watch the film with others, and that after viewing it you will share your stories generously and listen to each other in love. If you are interested in setting up a viewing, please follow these easy steps:
"When one loves Trinity Church, giving to support its work becomes a blessed obligation. Throughout my years as an active member of Trinity, I've remained deeply grateful for what the church means to my life. Planned giving is a wonderful way to show that gratitude, and to help insure that Trinity will always be there for others in years to come."
-Jane Claflin
"In 1987, I returned tentatively to the church after a long hiatus. Trinity welcomed me, offering me a place to take cautious steps back to God. At a Holy Eucharist in 1990 a hymn from my childhood came pouring forth as an invitation and affirmation: 'Just as I am with one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me. O Lamb of God, I come. I come.' Since then, over and over I have met Christ in this faith community. In and through Trinity, God saves me again and again. I know thousands like me have been reconciled to God in this church over the years, and I feel a grateful indebtedness to my Trinity predecessors for their careful stewardship of Trinity. I made Trinity a part of my estate plan as a gesture of love to those who will follow me and to be a part of 'the whole state of Christ's church' in this time and the next."
-Gary Sandison
"We entered Trinity Church just as a medical crisis was reverberating in our lives, reminding us of the fragility and tenuous nature of our existence. On New Members Sunday many years ago, my wife Judith and I were first touched by the musical and architectural grace of the church itself. That day, the thoughtful wisdom and gentle kindness of the Interim Rector Bishop Krumm convinced us to linger, then to stay. Since then, Trinity's services, lectures, classes, and groups have changed our lives in significant and meaningful ways. Thanks to Trinity's acts of caring, and through the compassion and protection of other members, Judith and I now have an invaluable sense of shelter, purpose, and community. Making a planned gift to Trinity helps guarantee its continuance as a beacon of hope and promise for us and for all people of the City of Boston."
-John Hurley
"Being a charter member of Trinity's Planned Giving Committee, as well as coming from a profession where estate and financial planning play a large role, I must admit that I was totally unprepared for my personal reaction to the act of making a planned gift to Trinity Church. I clearly understood the techniques and the tax benefits. I easily filled out the change of beneficiary form on my 401(k) plan to include Trinity as one of the beneficiaries. Handing it to the human resource person who would officially file it, however, was a truly remarkable experience. As I took that very simple step, it washed over me that I was literally endowing my annual pledge to Trinity, arranging for it to continue to provide my love and support to this extraordinary faith community that has so loved and supported me."
-A Parishioner
Do you have a story about giving that might inspire others? We'd love to hear it. Email your stories to Margaret Lias.
