Transfer the Blessings

​Do you have a will or a living trust?  Have you named a legal guardian for your children?  Who will act in your place if you ever become mentally incapacitated?  How will the blessings that God has entrusted to you be distributed after you go to heaven?  While nobody wants to think about death or incapacity, creating a plan to address these questions is an essential step you must take to protect yourself, your property, and your loved ones.

What is Transfer the Blessings?
St. John's Transfer the Blessings ministry is committed to providing members the support and comprehensive expertise needed to wisely plan how they can transfer their blessings to their families and the ministries they love through a Lifetime Plan for Giving.  The wise transfer and stewardship of these blessings to family and ministries can have an impact today, tomorrow, and forever.  

With whom does St. John's partner?
St. John's partners with Teresa Nelson, a Gift Planning Counselor with The LCMS Foundation. Teresa works with St. John's members on an individual basis, and begins each consultation by listening to each individual’s unique priorities. Using the information she gathers, Teresa then guides and directs each individual in shaping a Lifetime Plan for Giving that fulfills personal and family goals.  This confidential service includes discussion of family matters and the challenges and opportunities involved in estate plan development.  These conversations help members understand how the benefits of charitable planning relate to personal goals.
Teresa offers:

• A prayerful approach. 
• A convenient meeting time and place, usually at the individual's home or church.
• Services free of charge. 
• Guidance and options to organize and implement a Christian estate/gift plan.
• Complete confidentiality.

Teresa Nelson 
Gift Planning Counselor
The LCMS Foundation
319.351.6529
Teresa.Nelson@lfnd.org

What is a Lifetime Plan for Giving?
Through the step-by-step planned giving process, Teresa helps  establish a  Lifetime Plan for Giving, which is a complete Christian estate/gift plan that summarizes stewardship and estate planning goals.  

Is the Lifetime Plan for Giving process a valuable exercise for individuals who have already completed an estate plan?
Yes, Teresa will review the current plan, which often reveals questions or details that need addressing. Some examples include:

• Are the documents up-to-date and valid?
• Does the plan include a personal statement of faith that can be used by the Holy Spirit to encourage the faith of future generations?
• Are beneficiary statements aligned with the current plan?
• Is both a financial and a medical Durable Power of Attorney included in the plan?

In addition to ensuring alignment of goals and plans, a review process also provides a charitable perspective which often offers unrealized benefits. 
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​​Contact Teresa at 319.351.6529 or Teresa.Nelson@lfnd@org to set up an appointment!