FROM JON NAKAMURA
On May 10, Reverend Mark, Liesje Blank, Paula
Zand and I had the privilege of representing Church
of the Redeemer at the California Diocese Special
Convention held at Grace Cathedral. The purpose
of the Special Convention was (1) to receive the
report resulting from the “Beloved Community”
Visioning Process, (2) to consider and vote on
amendments to the Canons of the Diocese regarding
the governance of the diocese, and (3) to consider
and vote on such resolutions as may be necessary to
implement the changes in governance.
Bishop Marc Hadley Andrus’s “Beloved
Community” vision was the result of a thoughtful
process that reviewed the priorities of the diocese.
Over the course of 10 months, about 800 people
took part in a series of events designed to elicit a
diocesan vision for the Beloved Community in the
Diocese of California. In addition, there were a
number of
formal and informal gatherings - ranging
from colleague groups to vestries to diocesan
ministry teams - in which people gathered to reflect
on the same questions of values and hopes. At each
of these gatherings, participants have listened and
responded to an address from Bishop Marc and
engaged in conversation in small groups, and - in
most cases - shared creative arts and worship as
well. These efforts resulted in a resolution to
receive the report and commit the Diocese to take
efforts to Embodied Justice; enhance Church
Vitality; develop Rooted Spirituality; improve
Organizational Development and develop an
Inclusive Community.
The amendments to the Canons of the Diocese
regarding the governance of the Diocese were the
results of studies, outreach to the member Deaneries
and Churches and the recommendations by
Diocesan committees. The amendments, which can
be found online at www.diocal.org under the
Special Convention tab, were designed to enhance
the efficiency of the governance of the Diocese.
The amendments wereadoptedd.
I would be happy to respond to questions about the
Special Convention, please contact me by email:
nakamura.jon@comcast.net or by phone 459.4525.
Regards,
Jon Nakamura, Convention and Deanery Delegate
FROM THE DIOCESE
Travel Insurance
If you are one of the one-in-two Episcopalians who do
not have a valid will or trust, please read on.
Without a valid will or trust:
A California probate judge will decide who gets
your assets, including your minor children, if
any.
Your “natural heirs” as determined by the
probate code will inherit your estate.
Your children may receive an untimely
inheritance they cannot yet manage.
Your church or other favored charities or friends
will receive nothing.
Your estate may be subject to unnecessary estate
and income taxes
However, with a will or trust:
Your wishes regarding distribution of your
estate will prevail.
You may specify guardians for your minor
children
You may provide for timed, rational
distribution to children.
Taxes may be avoided.
You may remember your church and other
charities close to your heart.
Despite common presumption, not having a will or trust
will not prevent you from dying, and having a will or
trust will not make your death more likely or advance
the day. “Be Prepared” is the scout motto—and also the
admonition our Savior. “The duty of all persons to make
wills” is noted in The Book of Common Prayer on page
445.
What is the next step? Identify and call an estate
planning attorney. For a referral, call (415) 869-7812 or
see “Making a Will” at www.EpiscopalGift.org. Estate
planning attorneys regularly make appointments at local
parishes and charge only $75 for a simple will.
June is the month that attorneys seem to write the most
wills. “Why is that?” I asked. “Because people tend to
travel in the summer,” I was told. Make sure you have
you travel insurance. Don’t leave home without it. For
God’s sake and your family’s sake, too.
The Rev. Richard L. Schaper, CFP®
Gift Planning Officer, Diocese of California
EpiscopalGift.org (415) 869-7812
richards@diocal.org
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