Woodbury Lutheran Church -- Life Planning Ministries

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A Year-End Inventory

Many of us are relieved in having completed a will, set up trusts and living wills. However, because situations and our priorities change as our families age and grow, it is important to review plans on a regular basis to make sure our provisions are still valid. Here is a check-list of questions you should ask every year-end with regard to your personal affairs.

Did we have a change in employment that significantly changed our financial situation and, if so, have we set a new budget based on these changes?
Are we, along with our family, aware of where our will and living trust can be found?
Are our executors, trustees and guardians of our children still living and capable of carrying out their duties?
Have we made necessary changes to the list of assets and financial obligations and put them where they can be found?
Are there changes in our assets that require an amendment to our will?
Have there been any major tax changes, that would adversely affect our financial situation and/or the settlement of our estate?
Have minor children been financially provided for as needed?
If a child reached 18 or married in the past year, what changes need to be made?
Are the people we intend to benefit still alive and in need of our help?
Have we prayerfully considered remembering our charitable interests with a gift?

While you're making holiday plans each year-end, it's important to set aside time with God and your spouse or trusted personal advisor to review your budgets, estate plans and assets. While there is peace of mind in setting a budget and getting your affairs in order, an annual review will ensure your plans are always sound.

Among the documents available from Life Planning Ministries are the Five Wishes Health Care Directives (formerly called Living Wills), funeral preplan forms, Power of Attorney forms, as well as information on wills and estate planning options. For more information, contact Vicki or Kerry, 651-739-5144, ext. 236.

What does the Bible say about managing resources God has given us?

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

Welcome to Life Planning Ministries. This ministry is funded under a $100,000 grant from Thrivent Foundation that was provided to equip each member of Woodbury Lutheran to reexamine their lives from an eternal perspective. Our goal is to provide for the future of Woodbury Lutheran Church, its member families, and the people we serve in missions and outreach.

In Matthew 6, Jesus continues teaching that began with the Beatitudes in chapter 5. We learn about gifts to the needy, the Lord’s Prayer, and fasting. In verses 19-24 Christ has clear instruction about money and possessions. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)

Life Planning Ministries is currently inviting congregation members to participate in our ministry as commissioned Life Planning Counselors. You would work with individuals and families in confidential, private conversations to lead them through a personal Lifetime Plan. In-depth training will be provided. For more information, pick up a job description at the Connection Corner in the main lobby, or contact Vicki Strong.

In addition to establishing an endowment fund to set priorities for the future of Woodbury Lutheran Church and to provide smart ways to invest in that future, we will invite you to personally explore smart ways to plan for your future, your family's future and your eternal future.

Through seminars, Sunday classes, Sanctuary Bible studies, library resources and special events, we'll work with you on issues that impact all of our lives, but which we are often hesitant to address. We'll talk about setting family goals and budgets, finding financial harmony in marriage and in family, and working with your kids to develop savvy consumers. We'll give you ideas for best managing the resources of time and money God has provided you. We'll engage you in discussions about planning for the future, including long-term health care issues, health care directives, estate planning, pre-planning of your funeral. We'll work with you on developing a last will and testament that can be your final witness in the name of Jesus Christ. We'll give you ideas on investments that will provide for your family first, and leave enough for your church family and/or other Kingdom work that you hold closest to your heart.

You’ll work closely and confidentially with a WLC commissioned life planning counselor and, if you choose, a representative from the LCMS Foundation. They can lead you through a personal or family Life Plan to give you clearer vision for your future and provide you with referrals to Christian legal and financial advisors (including but not limited to Thrivent Financial). We hope you will find eternal blessings in the work we do together.

For more information on Life Planning Ministries, contact Vicki Strong, Director, or Kerry Freier, Associate, 651-739-5144, ext. 236 or via e-mail: